American Legion Post 210 fires the traditional three‑shot volley during the 2026 Memorial Day ceremony at the Gridley‑Biggs Cemetery on May 25.

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - When Gridley Mayor Mike Farr enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1965, he had never heard of Vietnam, could not locate it on a map and did not know how to spell it. 

Yet, more than 60 years later, he still remembers stepping off a transport plane in Saigon and seeing the airport welcome sign riddled with bullet holes, a moment that made the war suddenly real. He went on to serve two tours in Vietnam as a helicopter gunship crew chief. He made it home. Many who served did not.

Speaking at Monday’s Memorial Day ceremony, Farr said preparing his remarks led him to think about visiting Arlington National Cemetery, where he walked among the rows of white crosses and reflected on the men he served with whose names appear on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

“It hits you in the heart,” Farr said. “That is one reason why we have this day called Memorial Day, to honor those that have made that sacrifice, that ultimate sacrifice to this country that we love.”

Civil Air Patrol cadets fold an American flag as part of the Memorial Day ceremony on May 25 honoring those who served their country as members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

More than 1,718 veterans rest in the Gridley‑Biggs Cemetery, each grave marked on Monday with a white cross. They are part of a larger community of more than 13,000 people buried there, more than the combined populations of the two towns.

Farr said Memorial Day not only honors the fallen but the devotion, duty and commitment that shaped their service.

Major Cliff Wagner, USAR (Ret.), served as master of ceremonies at the Military Veterans Court of Honor. He thanked the volunteers and families who return each year and spoke about the purpose of the day.

“We come together to honor those who served and to remind ourselves why this day matters,” Wagner said.

Gridley Mayor Mike Farr speaks on service and sacrifice during the Memorial Day ceremony at the Military Veterans Court of Honor on May 25

A brief tribute from Dara Lattimer, chapter president of the Blue Star Mothers of California, carried that meaning forward.

“Memorial Day is not meant to be treated casually,” she said. “It is a day to remember and have gratitude for those who gave their all.”

A central part of the ceremony honored Norris “Gene” Anderson, who died Oct. 27, 2025. Anderson served more than 11 years in the U.S. Air Force beginning in 1966, including deployments to Da Nang and Phu Cat in Vietnam and to Kunsan Air Base in South Korea. He later served in the California Army National Guard as a marksmanship instructor, completing more than 20 years of combined military service.

A Civil Air Patrol cadet presents the folded American flag to the family of Gene Anderson during the 2026 Memorial Day ceremony at the Military Veterans Court of Honor on May 25.

Before his death, Anderson regularly helped with military honors during the annual ceremony as a member of American Legion Post 210, a role Post Commander Owen Stiles recalled on Monday before cadets from Civil Air Patrol Squadron 95 performed the annual folding of the American flag, a practiced and solemn presentation. The folded flag was then presented to Anderson’s family, including son Erik, daughter Jennifer, three grandchildren and other family members seated in the front row.

The program also recognized Gridley High School band director Ethan Jacobsen and vocalist Kari Wheeler for their contributions to the ceremony. Butte County Ambassador Sawyer Smith, Miss Teen Butte County Brianna Straws and Miss Butte County Ranjeet Kooner each spoke on the meaning of sacrifice.

American Legion Post 210 delivered military honors and Peyton Quist of Gridley High School played Taps.

Wagner closed the ceremony by reminding the community why they gather each Memorial Day. He said the tradition continues because people choose to honor those who served.

Owen Stiles, USN (Ret.), of American Legion Post 210, and Jen Cavanaugh of the Ladies Auxiliary lay a wreath at the Military Veterans Court Memorial at the Gridley‑Biggs Cemetery on May 25.