USMC veteran Larry Mick assists June Dye, a veteran's widow, along the Avenue of Flags at Hartley Cemetery outside of Lakeport, Calif., on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, 2011. Photo by Ginny Craven.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Monday's Memorial Day commemorations around the county focused on sacrifice and remembrance for veterans of all eras.

Ginny Craven, founder of Operation Tango Mike – which sends care packages to troops overseas – and one of the most dedicated chroniclers of local veterans, captured these image on Monday, Memorial Day.

Memorials were held at cemeteries around the county, as well as the Lake County Veterans Memorial Bridge in Kelseyville, where wreaths of flowers in honor of the sacrifices of veterans were laid on Kelsey Creek's waters.

At the Lower Lake ceremony, the face of a younger generation of veterans emerged.

Brian Martin, who served five years in the US Army, and who today is a lieutenant in the Lake County Sheriff's Office was the guest speaker.

Martin emphasized thanks for those who served, explaining how no speech and no commemoration can ever cover the sacrifice of so many.

On hand at the event was Christopher Wilson, father of Lance Corporal Ivan Wilson, who was killed in July 2008 by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan.

On Monday he had received a letter about his son from a member of the military, and asked Martin to read it, which Martin did. The letter spoke about Wilson's service and expressed gratitude for his sacrifice.

Martin said it was the first time he had spoken at a veterans event. He said he expects more younger veterans to begin to take an active part in veterans events and organizations.

For some younger vets, he said, it still may feel too soon, and they need time away from their service before they feel ready to get involved.

A wreath of flowers floats on Kelsey Creek following a wreath ceremony at the Lake County Veterans Memorial Bridge outside of Kelseyville, Calif., on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, 2011. Photo by Ginny Craven.

The Patriot Guard Riders escort the United Veterans Council's Military Funeral Honors Team on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, 2011, in Lake County, Calif. Photo by Ginny Craven.

The Avenue of Flags at Hartley Cemetery outside of Lakeport, Calif., on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, 2011. Photo by Ginny Craven.

United Veterans Council Chaplain Woody Hughes speaks at the Memorial Day ceremony at the Upper Lake Cemetery in Upper Lake, Calif, on Monday, May 30, 2011. Photo by Ginny Craven.

A floating tribute of flowers at the Lake County Veterans Memorial Bridge over Kelsey Creek outside of Kelseyville, Calif., on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, 2011. Photo by Ginny Craven.

The United Veterans Council's Military Funeral Honors Team at the Lake County Veterans Memorial Bridge outside of Kelseyville, Calif., on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, 2011. Photo by Ginny Craven.

At Veterans Circle at Hartley Cemetery outside of Lakeport, Calif., the flag in memory of Pearl Harbor survivor Jim Harris, who died Jan. 8 at age 86, flew at half staff on Monday, May 30, 2011. Photo by Ginny Craven.

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 951 President Dean Gotham unwraps a bouquet to set afloat at the Lake County Veterans Memorial Bridges outside of Kelseyville, Calif., on Monday, May 30, 2011. Photo by Ginny Craven.

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