Honoring Our Fallen Heroes: El Centro and Brawley Hold Memorial Day Ceremonis

IMPERIAL VALLEY, Calif. — Communities across the Imperial Valley paused on Monday, May 26, 2025, to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States. Ceremonies in El Centro and Brawley brought together veterans, residents, and local leaders in remembrance of the region’s fallen heroes.

El Centro: Ceremony of Respect and Remembrance

In El Centro, the city hosted its annual Memorial Day observance, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Agustin Saldana, quartermaster for Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9305, followed by a prayer for those lost in combat.

Local leaders in attendance included District Attorney George Marquez, El Centro Mayor Sonia Carter, and several other regional dignitaries. The keynote address was delivered by VFW Commander Lee Quarcelino, who reminded attendees of the day’s true purpose.

“On behalf of the men and women of NEF El Centro, it is an honor to stand before you today as we gather to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day,” Quarcelino said. “Today, we shift our focus from the living to the fallen.”

Mayor Carter praised the continued growth of the event, crediting city staff for its organization.

“The sacrifice of the men and women who gave their life is such an honor to all of us,” she said. “Every year we do this, and we get it to grow more and more. We’re thankful for our great staff—our staff is the one who does all the planning.”

The ceremony concluded with a traditional three-volley rifle salute, followed by a trumpet performance by Saldana. Cadets from Southwest High School assisted with set-up and clean-up duties while standing in silent tribute throughout the program.

Saldana noted that the veterans group he leads was founded in 1986. Initially called “Vietnam Veterans,” the group was renamed “Vietnam and Global War Veterans” to recognize service members from subsequent conflicts.

“Obviously they’ve been around for a lot longer than that,” Saldana said. “But for them, it was a matter of understanding each other and the struggles they had. And for the rest of us, it’s a matter of carrying their legacy.”

Brawley: Small Ceremony and Calls for Greater City Involvement

In Brawley, roughly 25 residents gathered at Riverview Cemetery for an informal but heartfelt Memorial Day ceremony organized by community members. The event was not widely promoted, leading some to question the City of Brawley’s role in this year’s remembrance efforts.

American flags lined the streets of North Western Avenue, placed by individuals honoring loved ones who served. The display created a moving pathway of red, white, and blue that stretched down the roadway—a tribute organized by residents, not the city.

Sam Couchman, a local community member, delivered a deeply personal speech reflecting on the meaning of the holiday.

“Originally known as Decoration Day, it was nationally observed first on May 30, 1868. Since the end of the Civil War, with 600,000 dead around the country, burial and memorialization took on a new cultural significance,” Couchman said.

Quoting President Harry S. Truman, he added:

“A debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service to our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.”

Couchman honored Captain Scott Pace, a local servicemember who died in Afghanistan, as well as his own family members who served.

“They made the ultimate sacrifice or carried the remembrance of friends and comrades who did not return,” he said. “That’s the meaning of today’s Memorial Day. God bless them all, God bless you and yours, and God bless America. Thank you. Amen.”

Following the event, some attendees expressed frustration with the city’s limited role. Organizers said Brawley Parks and Recreation told them the Memorial Day Walk held on Saturday was not a city-organized event, which limited its reach.

Brawley Mayor Gil Rebollar said he did not attend the walk because he was not aware it was happening.

The situation has prompted renewed calls for the City of Brawley to take a more active role in future Memorial Day planning. Residents are now discussing ideas for a larger, more organized event in 2026.

Despite the challenges, those who gathered say they remain committed to honoring the fallen and ensuring the tradition grows in Brawley.