Article by
Steven Sanchez
May 27, 2025 — The Clovis Veterans Memorial District hosted the Memorial Day Celebration on Monday, May 26, “to honor those men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom.” Over 1,500 people attended the event. Families, elders, veterans, even some pets enjoyed the festivities that included music, burgers, and dancing.
The main highlight of the celebration was the Patriotic Concert performed by the Clovis Community Band. Opening remarks were provided by Tom Wright, Chairman of the Board, while CEO Lorenzo Rios would introduce each musical number. The band played “Fanfare and Hymn: A Mighty Fortress”; “An American Spectacular”; “Washington Post”; “Arlington (Where Giants Lie Sleeping)”; “In Honor of the Fallen”: “Armed Forces: The Pride of America!”; and “God Bless America.”
The most emotional moment was the Gold Star Remembrance Ceremony, honoring local heroes
that received that distinction that lost their lives in battle in World War I and II, Korea, Vietnam,
Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan. Each branch of the military was in attendance. A representative from those branches stood together to salute those that were lost but aren’t forgotten. In the crowd tears were shed for the names mentioned, possibly recollecting memories of their time served or saying farewell to those that were near and dear to them.
Rios called on veterans to stand up while they received cheers from the attendees as the band played different military theme songs. People stood up and sang along to “God Bless America.” The band concluded the show with an encore with “Stars and Stripes Forever.”
Right afterward was the luncheon that occupied three rooms where they served burgers, hot dogs, chips and beverages. In the lobby, free Girls Scouts cookies were being handed out while veteran themed shirts were being sold. Patriotic documentaries were being shown in the auditorium with titles like “Carry the Load: Memorial Day” and “The Unknowns.”
The big festivities took place outside. The vendors in attendance: Centerstage, American Legion – Cecil Cox Post 147, Blue Star Moms, Central Valley Veterans Day Parade, Department of Veterans Affairs, Senior Activity Center, Zachary Horton Foundation, Clovis Rotary Club, and the American Red Cross.
Local first responders like the Clovis Fire Department, Fresno County Sheriff’s Department, and Clovis Police Department were mingling with the civilians. The Army was out there with a couple of their convoys on display. The Marines brought their pull-up bar seeing who can be the next recruits.
People brought their food out to the grass area where the tables were decorated in American colors. Some even had flag themed clothes on ranging from shirts to hats just add to the ambience of everything. Rios got on stage to give a speech about the military fighting to uphold the freedoms we have, people coming together, and the importance of community. John Pemberton provided the music playing country classics. There were some people dancing in front of the stage.
CVMD provided a shuttle to the Community Heritage Center. People toured the museum where they paid tribute to Clovis Founders like Charles B. Shaver, Marcus Pollasky, and Clovis Cole. Historical accounts were presented on the story of the town, and how our community was impacted by war with displays of period accurate weapons, uniforms, and footage. The annual event continuously outdoes itself where it’s become one of the more popular events in the area. This year was another success.