Residents form Memorial Remembrance Society after gaps in Memorial Day observances

At the May 29 Imperial County Veterans Advisory Council meeting, resident Pamela Friesen described this year’s Memorial Day observances in the Brawley/Raleigh area and said community volunteers have formed a group to restore the traditional ceremony at Riverview Cemetery.

Friesen said roughly 40 people gathered at the monument this Memorial Day and the group has organized itself to put on a ceremony for next year. She told the council volunteers have already reserved the site and planned next year’s program, including a speaker, with a date set for May 25, 2026. “Your veterans are not forgotten in Raleigh even if officials overlooked them this year,” Friesen said.

Friesen described local coordination that includes trustees and longtime volunteers; she said the Brawley American Legion post recently closed and that local residents stepped in to ensure a ceremony continues. The new volunteer committee is using the working name “MRS Memorial Remembrance Society,” Friesen told the council.

Council members acknowledged the volunteer effort and some attendees offered to serve as liaisons. The council did not take formal action on the announcement but recorded the comment during public comment and invited Friesen and other volunteers to connect with county and veterans service staff for logistical support.

Organizers listed in public comment include Pamela Friesen, Ray (committee member), Robert Pryor (trustee), Sal Ortiz (trumpeter) and Ryan (volunteer helping recruit speakers). The council noted that community groups, DAV and VFW posts have historically coordinated cemetery ceremonies and that gaps in post activity can shift responsibility to volunteers and county trustees.

Friesen said the group intends to hold the ceremony annually “as long as one of us is still going.”