A Day to Remember in Modesto

For most of us, Memorial Day marks the beginning of a season of summer fun. But don’t let the real meaning of the holiday get lost amidst the barbecues and beach sand. Memorial Day – originally­ called “Decoration Day” – unofficially began in 1865 as a way to honor fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. In fact, because of lingering resentment over the war, many Southern states did not observe the holiday until after World War I (they opted for their own Confederate Memorial Day). Memorial Day has since became an occasion to honor fallen soldiers from all wars after WWI. You can find a listing of those from the community who have made the ultimate sacrifice below. Honor them with the traditions of this special holiday:

-Fly the flag at half-staff from dawn until noon, local time.

-Participate in a national “moment of remembrance,” which occurs at 3PM, Washington DC time.

-Place flags on the graves of war dead.

Modesto Area Casualties of War ...
(Please send additions or corrections for the lists below for Modesto to info@americantowns.com)


Vietnam War
Robert Nicolas Staud
John Roy Markillie
Robert Michael Lathrope
Serveston Devon Pope
Gary William Bartlow
Doyle Atkins
Kenneth Lee Worley
Gary Dean Tisdall
Joseph Anthony Randazzo
Robert Austin
Stanley Scott Clark
Michael Del Birdwell
Roy Dwight Barnes
Thomas Leon Herd
Manuel Dominic Madruga
Richard Wayne Ford
Donald Charles Vaughan
Galen Erick Ohlson
Richard Lynn Parham
William L Jr Dornbergh
Joseph John Daffer
Gerald Leroy Jr Mc Kinsey
Peter Evan Day
James Robert Lewis
Richard Robert Obert
Jerry Leonard Holmes
Daniel Joseph Ryan
Ernest Kay Gerhardt
Neal Arthur Rasmussen
Dennis Arthur Mc Elroy
Jack Dale Mc Clure
John Charles Weborg

Korean War
Chitwood John Vernon


World War II
Click here for a database of local soldiers killed in World War II