Hundreds congregate at El Dorado Hills shopping center to see great cars and remember our local fallen warriors (click this image to view more photos)

El Dorado Hills, CA | Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. Today at the El Dorado Hills Town Center, the Fallen Warriors Memorial held their 6th annual Motorcycle Poker Run and Car Show.

The mission of the Fallen Warriors Memorial Organization is, “Through a scholarship program and school participation, is to honor and remember former area high school students who gave their lives while serving our country.”

Currently, their website lists 29 Fallen Warriors from 22 different area schools. In memory of those Fallen Warriors, veterans and participating high schools have established a scholarship fund to recognize the sacrifice of that school’s Fallen Warriors and acknowledge the contributions of veterans.

When asked about turnout for today’s event, Jim Blatchford, Board Member, indicated it was down from last year, “the weather and current gas prices, contributed to a slight drop in attendance.” Current estimates are that today’s event raised about $8,000.00 to add to the fund.

Even though there was a bit of light rain off and on, it did not seem to dampen anyone’s spirits. Some car owners were drying off the vehicles multiple times, while grandparents were showing their grandchildren what they may have once owned. Car enthusiasts got to share stories, families got to spend time together, and there seemed to be smiles and laughter everywhere you looked.

Silver Star recipient, Dick Grinnell, USSMC (be sure to click his photo and read his story)

One special attendee, Mr. Dick Grinnell, Korean War Veteran and Silver Star recipient, had more than a few people lined up to shake his hand. Some wanted just to say hi, but many wanted to give their thanks for the sacrifice that he and others made.

Also in attendance today was Ian Baldwin who recently was given one of the scholarships from the Fallen Warriors Memorial Organization. Ian currently has a brother serving in the Marines and when asked about the scholarship, stated, “Everything that is honoring our fallen soldiers and marines, has special meaning for us”

The organization has scholarships setup at some area high schools including Elk Grove, El Dorado Hills, Oakridge, Granite Bay and recently added Woodland. When asked about adding other schools, Jim Blatchford replied, “We’re trying to work to get into Folsom, a local school where we have lost a couple kids.”

Learn more about the Fallen Warriors Memorial>>