Retired VFW post's flags part of Forgotten Warriors museum

Tony Pinto made it part way through a rendition of taps on Friday at the Museum of the Forgotten Warriors before the traditional military funeral piece was cut short when his battery-operated bugle cut out.

It was, perhaps, symbolic of the somber, abrupt end of the proud Yuba City military veterans group Pinto and others honored Friday afternoon.

"It went about halfway and it died," Pinto said afterward.

The 80-year-old Yuba City Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2563 closed its doors last month after years of dwindling membership.

Nobody wanted it to end, but it could not be saved.

More than 50 people gathered on Friday at the military gallery ou side Linda to watch the now-defunct Yuba City VFW and Ladies Auxiliary induct their American flags into the museum.

The ceremony was bittersweet.

"It's a big loss," explained a choked-up Elaine Bastian, president of the Ladies Auxiliary. "You just become like a big family."

But the loss of the proud veterans' groups was tempered, if only slightly, with the induction of their American flags, which now hold their own place in local military history at the museum.

"It does mean a great deal," said Ruben Gomez, former post commander. "We'd hate for 2563 to be forgotten."

Dann Spear, a museum curator, was grateful the flags were not sent back to the VFW's national headquarters.

"It's quite an honor to receive them," Spear said. "Our local veterans community has done so much. It honors them to hang their flags in our area."

Richard Lawson, the group's last commander, fought back tears while speaking.

"It's a sad moment," Lawson said. "It's also a great moment."

CONTACT Rob Parsons at rparsons@appealdemocrat.com or 749-4785.Find him on Facebook at ADcrimebeat.