It’s called the Not Forgotten Memorial Commemoration in Manteca, and with an expected crowd of 30,000 people it is the largest Memorial Day event on the West Coast.
Organizers in Manteca say city streets will be lined with 2,400 American flags to mark Memorial Day.
But the biggest tribute to this nation’s fallen will be on Sunday at Manteca’s Woodward Park.
Seven thousand white crosses representing people who lost their lives in the defense of their country since 9/11 will be on display with the names and pictures arrayed on 12 panels.
Manteca minister and Vietnam Veteran Mike Dillman says he started the event 10 years ago so the fallen would not be forgotten.
“Within a 50 mile radius of Manteca we have 61 families that have lost a son or daughter since 9/11,” Dillman says. “We call them the heroes in our own backyard that have given their lives for our freedom.”
The event starts at 8 a.m. with a 5k run, and lasts all day.
