Residents remember fallen heroes at Shafter Cemetery

Although the normal Memorial Day ceremonies at the Shafter Cemetery were canceled, many came out to honor the fallen heroes.

AMVETS of Shafter was also on hand from 7 a.m. to noon with a display of soldier silhouettes set up by the Veterans Memorial at the center of the property.

There was also someone who played "Taps" every half hour. As in years past, all of the veterans' graves were decorated with American Flags. Several families set up canopies around their loved ones' graves, sharing stories and remembrances.

Two women from Bakersfield made the visit to Shafter to pay respects to a friend of theirs.

"We came to visit Curtis Daniel, who we had known for years. We always remember that he always had his orange slices. He was such a great guy," said Yoga Brown.

Brown came with Linda Flavin, from Bakersfield, to lay some flowers at Daniels' grave.

"I have to say, we have visited five different cemeteries today, and the Shafter one is the nicest one we have been to," said Brown. "It is so clean and beautiful."

Another visitor was the family of Angel Joe Nieto. Nieto bravely served his country and now lies in peace in the Shafter Cemetery. His family filled the grave site with flowers of red, white, and blue.

Many visitors hoped the holiday would go back to normal next year.

"Today is a beautiful day, and it is always touching to come out here and see my relatives, but I really hope that there will be a regular ceremony again next year," said Mary Montez. "I just love the sight of so many people gathered to honor our own local heroes."