On this Memorial Day, when our thoughts turn to those who have served our country so well, and sacrificed so much, I would like to remind everyone that there is a very special place, right here in town, dedicated to the memory of our veterans. It's a place of peace and beauty, where you can pause and reflect - where you can stop down from your busy life and remember those who gave years of their lives, or the rest of their lives, for us.

As a World War II veteran and long-time resident of the Santa Clarita Valley, I would like to encourage you all to visit the Veterans Historical Plaza at 24275 Walnut St. (corner of Market and Walnut) in Newhall. It is a treasure, a sacred place where veterans, their loved ones, and all Americans can visit and reflect on the experience and lives of so many men and women disabled or killed while serving our nation. It's a place to take your growing children to find a link with the past.

I hope and pray our nation will never have to face a terrible conflict the size and scope of World War II ever again, but we can, indeed, we must, join hands today to commemorate that historic victory so that future generations never forget the price America paid for freedom.

Today's military men and woman are still paying that price for us and deserve all our hopes, prayers and praise.

So, on your way home from the celebrations at Eternal Valley today - or any day - stop by the Veteran's Memorial Plaza and take a few moments to honor those who gave so much.