Staging a major “thank-you” for war veterans who returned home and those who didn’t this Memorial Day Weekend will incur $5,923 in Manteca municipal costs.
In the current austere times, the City Council has directed staff to provide exact details of what various endeavors are going to cost whether it is construction, ongoing maintenance or specific costs tied to a specific event and determine if there is a way to recoup the money.
That is why the city staff – acting on the request of several council members – is bringing the Memorial Day Event costs before the council for elected leaders to consider waiving them.
The breakdown of city costs is as follows:
•Parks including $10 for a park permit fee and $1,740 for parks staff support and maintenance.
•Police for $3,806 for traffic control. The department plans to make extensive use of its volunteer resources to help offset any additional costs.
•Fire for the $327 cost of a fire inspector to be on site for the aerial fireworks launching. The department also anticipates on having Engine 242 and its crew that is assigned to the Powers Avenue station stand-by during the fireworks display.
If the council during tonight’s 7 p.m. meeting at the Civic Center, 1001 W. Center St., opts to waive the fees it will add $5,923 in additional costs to the general fund.
The general fund has about $2 million to $4 million more in cuts to make before the next fiscal year gets underway in earnest to keep the city out of deficit spending. The budget cutting process started with a projected $11.3 million deficit.
Four days honoring those who served America – from Manteca’s most decorated soldier to the latest Manteca soldier to lay down his life for his country - takes place May 22-25.
It is part of the community-wide One Nation Under God Memorial Day Commemoration being staged as a cooperative venture of religion, business, civic and military groups. The four-day event has numerous high points but arguably the largest will be the USO Show from 2 to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 24, at Woodward Park, followed by an official ceremony at 6 p.m. and aerial fireworks at 8:45 p.m. celebrating the safe return of all our veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan.
Recognizing Medal of
Honor recipient
The four days start off at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 22, with a ceremony honoring French Camp native, former Manteca High student and Medal of Honor recipient Sammy Davis. It will take place at the Manteca Civic Center, 1001 W. Center St.
Davis attended Manteca High through his junior year. He enlisted in the Army at age 18.
Dedication of memorial
wall to Sgt. Palmer
On Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, sunrise will come to Manteca with 2,400 flags lining the streets as part of the Flags Over Manteca effort. Then at 9 a.m., the memorial wall honoring Cpl. Charles Palmer II will be dedicated at the Big League Dreams sports complex plaza. Palmer was killed in Iraq while serving America.
Then at 10:30 a.m. the traditional Memorial Day service takes place at East Union Cemetery.
The day – and weekend – will end at 8 p.m. with the playing of taps and the retiring of the colors at the BLD complex.
‘Not Forgotten’
Musical-drama
The Place of refuge, 486 Button Ave., will stage its poignant “Not Forgotten” musical drama on Saturday, May 23, at 2 and 6 p.m.
The production is a tribute to the fallen as well as those who have served America.
USO Show, program
& fireworks
The USO Show from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Woodward Park is being billed as a regional commemoration or Memorial Day weekend.
It will feature a military vehicle display, free food and drinks for veterans, CHP K-9 exhibit, children’s fun center, exhibits and concessions, veteran services, Soldiers Angels collection center, aircraft fly over, special tribute to wounded warriors, a ceremony honoring veterans, marching bands, and the Moving Wall tribute to those who have died so far in the Global War on Terror.
The official ceremony at 6 p.m. will feature speakers Sgt. Sammy Davis, Sgt. Bob Gutierrez of the famous Navajo Code Talkers, and Sgt. Earl Watson who is a Battle of the Bulge survivor. Music will be provided by the Mi Wuk church choir and band as well as “We are Family.”
The aerial fireworks at 8:45 p.m. are being staged in celebration of the veterans who have returned safely form Iraq and Afghanistan.
For more information call 239-1371 or go to www.thememorialweekend.com
