Cucamonga Mortuary

S. Forest Service firefighter Brent Michael Witham, his sister said, was once a “skinny kid with messed-up teeth” who made her his sidekick and talked her into joining him in dressing up as an Army soldier.“He transformed into this hardworking, take-charge, get-it-done type of guy” who was a strong and confident man, Jannelle Giordano said. “I admired everything about him, and I still do.”Witham, 29, was remembered Thursday as a focused man who was a friend to strangers, continued his family’s legacy in public service, but who was never above mugging for the camera with his red hair and beard.Witham, a Mentone resident and 2006 graduate of Redlands East Valley High School, was killed Aug. 2 when a tree fell on him as his Idyllwild-based Vista Grande Hotshots crew battled the flames of the Lolo Peak fire in Montana. Forest Service officials in San Bernardino this week said they did not know the status of the investigation into the tragedy.• Photos:Fallen firefighter honored during memorial service in San BernardinoWitham’s body had been returned to San Bernardino County on Monday in a ceremony that included a procession.He had asked his mother, Donna, to promise not to worry about him, even though he knew his job was dangerous. Highly trained, extremely fit 20-member hotshot crews hike into or are dropped into remote areas to cut fire breaks with only the tools they can carry.“I cannot thank you enough for having the courage to pursue something worth doing,” Forest Service Chief Thomas L. Tidwell said from the stage, which was flanked by Vista Grande Hotshot buggies and potted trees. In front of the stage were a backpack, helmet, safety vest, chain saw and gloves.The memorial organizers set out 1,500 chairs at the National Orange Show Events Center in San Bernardino, and almost all of them were filled — mostly by firefighters wearing scores of different uniforms.Spotted at the memorial were hot shot crews from Vista Grande, Mill Creek, Del Rosa, Big Bear, Crane Valley, Los Padres, Laguna, Palomar and Bea... (Redlands Daily Facts)

It’s celebrated with backyard barbecue’s, parades and family outings, but for many it’s a day of reflection and a time to pay tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.“Many have forgotten what this day stands for,” said retired Army Col. Roger Hamilton at Rancho Cucamonga’s Central Park Freedom Courtyard for a Memorial Day celebration on Monday. “But for those of us who have lost family and friends to war this day has an entirely different meaning.”Hundreds gathered with him in Rancho Cucamonga for the ceremony to honor the fallen, as communities did throughout the Inland Empire. “In 1982 President Ronald Reagan spoke during a Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery,” Hamilton said. “He said our first obligation to them and ourselves is plain enough, The United States and the freedom for which it stands, the freedom for which they died, must endure and prosper. Those lives selflessly sacrificed are a reminder to us all that the freedoms we take for granted come with a severe cost.”Many attending the ceremony were silently listening as bagpipers with Rancho Cucamonga Pipes and Drum sounded “America the Beautiful” and a lone bugler from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8680 sounds Taps as people lay carnations at the Monument of Remembrance. The monument is a fountain surrounded by the flags of each individual branch of service with granite pillars showcasing emblems of each branch of the military.In San Bernardino, American Legion Post 14 held its annual ceremony at the Mt. View Mortuary and Cemetery at 570 E. Highland Ave. to honor those here who made the ultimate sacrifice.Several people spoke to the crowd of more than 200 at the event, including Mayor Carey Davis who described the importance of this holiday.“Today we honor and remember those who have served and sacrificed for our nation,” he said. “We cherish their memories not just today but everyday.”County Supervisor Josie Gonzales fired the crowd up when talking about importance of addressing homelessness in the m... (San Bernardino County Sun)