On Memorial Day morning in 2002 four US armed forces veterans, their friends and families gathered on Eagle Beach at Costa Linda. The purpose of the gathering was to honor all those who had paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country. The simple ceremony has since become an annual event and will take place once again on Monday May 31, 2021 at Costa Linda Beach Resort.
Memorial Day welcomes veterans from all nations to take part. We are pleased to say that since that first ceremony participation has indeed increased significantly. From the beginning we have attempted to keep the ceremony simple, solemn, and apolitical. We’ve kept it solemn for obvious reasons, simple because of the ages of some of our vets who might find it difficult to stand in the sun too long, and apolitical because we were/are all visitors in Aruba and understood that the raising of the American flag or the singing or playing of the Stars Spangled banner might offend some island residents. We also soon realized that we had attracted veterans from other nations – Holland, Aruba, and South Africa to mention a few. So in fairness to all, we thought that large national banners and anthems would be inappropriate. However, we encourage participants to wear any uniforms or national symbols they wish to wear.
Veterans will gather on the beach at 10:00 AM May 31, 2021 to form The Detail. We ask that viewers leave the area of the beach clear between The Detail and the surf. There will be a call to attention followed by a reading of the poem We Stand by the Sea (anonymous) as a memorial wreath of flowers will be placed in the surf. There will then be a reading of a verse from The Fallen by R.L. Binyon followed by the playing of Taps and the presentation of arms by the Detail. The Detail will then be dismissed.
All those wishing to join us on Memorial Day May 31, 2021 are welcomed. We will convene on the beach at 10:00 AM. Costa Linda Vets, families and friends. There will be coffee, juice and donuts provided by the Costa Linda Beach Resort.
