May 27, 2025

Memorial Day 2025 in Borrego Springs

Share

Honoring the Fallen at Christmas Circle

On May 26, 2025, the Borrego Springs community gathered at Christmas Circle for a powerful Memorial Day ceremony hosted by American Legion Post 853. The event honored those who gave their lives in service to the United States, with a program led by local veterans, volunteers, and faith leaders.


The ceremony opened with the National Anthem performed by Judy Taylor, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Kym McNabb, Secretary of the American Legion Auxiliary. Pastor Mateo Mamea of Community United Methodist Church gave the invocation, and Father Dave Madsen of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church closed the program with the benediction. Both clergy are members of the Borrego Ministers Association, which plays an essential role in supporting the community during times of reflection and remembrance.


Commander Dale Jones delivered a welcome address and led a moment of silent prayer. The Walk of Honor was presented by Gina Moran, and Marjorie Schuessler distributed symbolic red poppies to honor the fallen. Remarks were shared by ChrisAnn Wells, President of the Auxiliary, and Heide White, Finance Officer for the American Legion.


Judy Taylor returned to perform God Bless America and Traveling Soldier, a heartfelt substitution for America the Beautiful, which proved especially moving on this day of remembrance. Kathy Pratt recited the poem In Flanders Fields by Lt. Col. John McCrae.


A rifle salute was conducted by members of the American Legion and Sons of the American Legion, led by Paul Schuessler, followed by Taps performed by Harry Jones.


Lunch was served afterward at Post 853, with donations supporting veteran and youth programs. The day concluded with participation in Taps Across America at 3:00 p.m., a national moment of remembrance.


Flags were placed along Palm Canyon Drive and at the Circle. Setup and logistics were handled by a committed volunteer group known as the “Roadie Team.” A highlight of the event was the WWII-era Scout Car, maintained and driven by Bob Scribner, which rolled through Christmas Circle as a living piece of history.


“Special thanks to Tito’s Auto Care for coming through at the last minute,” said Commander Dale Jones. “They replaced the battery on Sunday, just in time for the Scout Car to roll through the ceremony.”


2025 Memorial Day Ceremony – Program Participants


  • National Anthem: Judy Taylor
  • Pledge of Allegiance: Kym McNabb – ALA, Secretary
  • Invocation: Pastor Mateo Mamea – Community United Methodist Church & Borrego Ministers Association
  • Commander’s Welcome: Dale Jones – TAL Post 853, Commander
  • Walk of Honor: Gina Moran – ALA, Executive Chair
  • Poppy Distribution: Marjorie Schuessler – ALA
  • Silent Prayer: Dale Jones
  • Music – God Bless America: Judy Taylor
  • Music – Traveling Soldier (in place of America the Beautiful): Judy Taylor
  • American Legion Auxiliary Address: ChrisAnn Wells – ALA, President
  • The American Legion Address: Heide White – TAL, Finance Officer
  • Poem – Flanders Fields: Kathy Pratt – ALA
  • Benediction: Father Dave Madsen – St. Barnabas Episcopal Church & Borrego Ministers Association
  • Rifle Salute:
  • Leader: Paul Schuessler – TAL, Executive Board
  • Team Members:
  • Earl Pratt (SAL)
  • Bob Scribner (TAL Sgt-at-Arms)
  • Ed Cate (TAL Executive Board)
  • Gary Saunders (TAL Judge Advocate)
  • Dennis O’Leary (TAL 2nd Vice Commander)
  • Richard Wheelock (TAL Chaplain)
  • Chris Pedersen (SAL Commander)
  • Taps: Harry Jones – TAL
  • Commander’s Closing: Dale Jones
  • Photographer: Scott McNabb – SAL, 2nd Vice Commander


Volunteer Equipment & Setup Team ("Roadie Team")


  • Konki Jarvis
  • Michelle Llamas
  • Humberto Torres-Arias
  • Jorge Torres-Arias
  • Brian Peet
  • Bob Scribner
  • Gary Saunders
  • Ed Cate
  • Jim Keith
  • Dennis O’Leary
  • Scott McNabb
  • Gina Moran


Learn More About Borrego Spring

Borrego Springs Makes 58-Year History with Two CIF Championship Wins in One Day

May 29, 2026
A Historic Day for Borrego Springs Athletics

Taco Night Launches New Collaboration at American Legion Post 853

By Andrea McKenna • May 29, 2026
May 30, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m

Thank You, Dark Sky Printing

By Andrea McKenna • May 29, 2026
A first season built on quality, trust, and community support Starting a new business in a small community takes more than equipment and ideas. It takes trust, relationships, consistency, and a willingness to show up for people. During their very first season in business, Dark Sky Printing has done exactly that. Since launching in Borrego Springs, Matt and Melissa of Dark Sky Printing have taken the time to connect with local businesses, nonprofits, organizations, and community members to better understand what people actually need. From business cards and flyers to banners, posters, and printed materials for events and fundraising efforts, they quickly became a dependable local resource for quality printing and personal service. Borrego Springs has long been fortunate to have strong local printing and design support. For decades, Ellen Fitzpatrick of Graphics You Can Trust has been a trusted staple and pillar in the community, helping local businesses, organizations, and nonprofits share their messages with care and creativity. She continues to take on projects while also generously donating time and support to causes throughout Borrego Springs. Dark Sky Printing has also become a valued resource for the community, adding another dependable local option for quality printing and personal service. What stands out most is not only the quality of their work, but the way they do business. Customers know what to expect when they contact Dark Sky Printing: clear communication, professionalism, reliable turnaround times, and orders delivered on time. Over the past season, Dark Sky Printing has also quietly supported the community through donated printing, volunteer support, and helping multiple nonprofits and organizations with materials for events, outreach, and local programs. Their willingness to give back has not gone unnoticed. Recently, Matt and Melissa shared a heartfelt message thanking the community for supporting their first season in business: Thank You for an Incredible First Season! When we launched Dark Sky Printing, we had a vision: to deliver high-quality printing with care, precision, and a personal touch. What we didn’t fully anticipate was just how much your support would mean to us. To every customer who trusted us with your business cards, letterhead, banners, flyers, posters, and everything in between, thank you. You didn’t just place an order; you placed your trust in a brand-new business, and that means the world to us. Your repeat business, your referrals, and your kind words have been the fuel that kept us going through the challenges and celebrations of our first season. We are truly grateful for each and every one of you. As we look ahead, we are more committed than ever to delivering the quality and service you deserve. The best is truly yet to come, and we can’t wait to continue growing alongside you. Here’s to many more seasons together. Matt and Melissa The Dark Sky Printing Team --------------------- Borrego Springs is fortunate to have local businesses that invest not only in their own success, but in the success of the community around them. Dark Sky Printing has already become an important part of helping organizations, events, and businesses share their message professionally and effectively.

Borrego Community Cleanup Moves to Earlier Summer Start Time

By Andrea McKenna • May 29, 2026
Neighbors helping keep Borrego beautiful, one cleanup at a time.

BSFI Free Summer Movies in June 2026 at BSPAC!

May 29, 2026
BSFI Free Movies Continue at BSPAC with June Screenings

Local Author Spotlight: Dennis Noyes

By Andrea McKenna • May 28, 2026
More than two decades of storytelling from Borrego Springs For more than two decades, Dennis Noyes and his wife, Heidi, have called Borrego Springs home. Noyes continues a life shaped by words, racing, travel, and storytelling. Known especially in Spain for his decades covering the MotoGP World Championship, Noyes built an international reputation as a motorcycling journalist, former racer, road tester, and television commentator. But alongside that fast-paced career, he continued pursuing another lifelong passion: fiction writing. Words and storytelling have always been central to his life. His father wrote for Stars and Stripes, while his mother was a linguistics professor at Purdue University. Even as a teenager growing up in central Illinois, Noyes found himself torn between two passions: racing and writing. That passion for writing earned him the Atlantic Monthly Annual Writing Contest for Students in 1966 and a scholarship to the Bread Loaf Writers Conference. His early career included reporting for a daily newspaper in Caracas, Venezuela, teaching English in Guatemala, and eventually building a life and career in Spain. In Spain, Noyes became both a national championship-winning motorcycle racer and a respected motorcycle road tester for Solo Moto and Motociclismo magazines. Over the years, he traveled internationally covering the biggest names in Grand Prix motorcycle racing while becoming one of the most recognizable voices in motorcycle racing commentary. The Noyes family story also includes his son, Kenny Noyes, who followed in his father’s tracks. Kenny made his world championship debut in 2010 and won the Spanish national title in 2014. After a serious racing accident, Kenny turned to writing as part of his recovery, later publishing From Racer to Survivor: A Memoir. In the book, he shares his journey from competing on the racetrack to facing the challenges of recovery from a traumatic brain injury. Dennis and Kenny also co-wrote a book together, drawing from their shared years as journalists and racers.
Show More

Share This Post