Riverside National Cemetery Plans for Roll Call Project, to Honor Veterans on Memorial Day; Community Participation Welcomed

Though Memorial Day is still a couple months out, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is already planning for a special event billed the Roll Call Project at Riverside National Cemetery, also known as “Arlington West.” According to Cemetery Director Gill Gallo, “There are more than 150,000 veterans buried here. It is our intention to honor each one by reciting their name during the week.” The Roll Call Project for Memorial Day will take more than 300 volunteers, who will recite the veterans’ names (including Big Bear’s 1st Lieutenant Jared Landaker) ’round the clock which, it is estimated, will take seven days. Adds Gallo, “We are reaching out to the community to take part in this unique project. Nothing like this has ever been done in the 30-year history of Riverside National Cemetery. This is a terrific opportunity for people in the surrounding communities to be a part of history while honoring our departed veterans.” Those interested in participating in the Roll Call Project during the week of Memorial Day can contact Jim Ruester at 951/653-8417 x877.