Veterans buried at abandoned cemetery are not forgotten

Volunteers prepared the abandoned cemetery near Brawley for a Memorial Day ceremony on Monday. They said veterans buried there deserve to be remembered and honored.

Local resident Patricia Carrillo said, “Once you’re gone you don’t want to think that you’re forgotten, especially when you sacrificed, you gave everything for your country, and then just be buried here and that nobody remembers you.”

She came representing her folkloric dance group Las Flores del Valle, which had donated flowers and flags. It’s their way of showing appreciation.

” From the looks of it, there’s still more that need to be place. I was amazed at the amount of veterans that are buried out here. This would be a thank you. A good gesture of saying thank you for what you’ve done for us, ” Carrillo said.

Vietnam Veteran, and the man who has spearheaded the cemetery’s restoration project, Cruz Abarca , said they want to make this Memorial Day memorable.

“Expecting the American Legion from Brawley to come by and they will be paying their respects and playing taps out here,” Abarca said.

Abarca has led a handful of volunteers working tirelessly week after week cleaning the cemetery, restoring dignity to it and to those resting there.

” I think these people deserve respect and honor. Not only the veterans but the civilians buried here as well. I believed it from the very first day i started. I believe it today, ” Abarca said.

They said to be forgotten is the worst part of leaving after sacrificing so much for others.

“I’m going to keep doing this until either my health gives up or until I can’t do it anymore,” Abarca promised.

Carrillo added, ” Memory Gardens, don’t let them just be a memory. We have to keep them alive in our hearts. Because they deserve that. ”

Everyone’s invited to come and join the ceremony on Monday, Memorial Day, at 10:30 a.m. to honor those who fell so others could continue standing up.