Stories of Service at Clayton Memorial Day Event

A helicopter made a flyover, old military songs were sung, speeches were made and people laughed and cried as hundreds gathered in downtown Clayton to remember fallen Americans, friends and family on Monday.

Clayton's 20th Annual Memorial Day Observance brought together World War II veterans and children who were born years after the America's tallest buildings crumbled. And for two hours, they sat and listened to stories about their countrymen.

"Clayton has a history of patriots," the event's emcee and Clayton former mayor Pete Laurence said. "This community has sacrificed a lot for the country."

Politicians spoke, including Concord Mayor Luara Hoffmeister and Clayton Mayor David Shuey, who both talked about the importance of teaching children about the sacrifices of others.

But the speeches that made spectators bite their lips and grip a loved ones hand came from people directly impacted by war.

Denver Mills, a Navy veteran and Ddrector of the Concord Veterans Center, told the audience what he's learned from counselling over 3,000 veterans coming home after serving in war.

"The love combat veterans have for one another is the strongest I have seen," Mills said. "Courage is an act of love. Let's not forget that."

US Marine Corps Maj. Mike Hudson told the story of his friend Brent Morel.

Hudson and Morel, who Hudson described as "a funny looking red-headed kid from Tennessee," trained together at Camp Pendleton.

"When you first get to (Camp Pendleton) you size each other up and see who is going to be up for it," Hudson said. "You could tell Brent was the toughest. I made sure I made friends with him."

Before heading to Iraq, Hudson said he promised Morel he'd come over to his house for hushpuppies when he got back.

But in Iraq, Morel sacrificed himself for his fellow combat team, losing his life in a firefight but saving the lives of his fellow soldiers. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the second highest decoration given for valor.

"There's nothing I wish for more than being able to go to his house for hushpuppies," Hudson said.

Mary Tollefson reminded everyone Memorial Day isn't just for military members, but also their families.

Tollefson's son Benjamin, who lived in Concord, died in Iraq on Dec. 31, 2008.

"We miss his playfulness, his wit," Tollefson said. "But what I miss most are his bear hugs. He gave the best bear hugs ever."

She talked some about the pain of losing her son but focused on forgiveness and hope.

"Getting stuck in the what if's only keep you from moving forward," Tollefson said.

Harry Short was one of the many veterans at the event. He served from 1958-64.

"It really liked (Hudson) and how he told it how it is," Short said. "He's the kick ass kind of guys we need,"