SOLANA BEACH — For many, Memorial Day signals the beginning of summer — a time to hit the beach or break out the barbecue. At the Memorial Day ceremony in Solana Beach, Randy Treadway offered a solemn reminder of the true meaning of the day. Ever since that first shot at Concord, more than 1 million men and women have died in defense of our freedom, he said in his opening remarks. “Today we recognize their dedication, courage and sacrifice.”

Treadway is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5431, which co-hosts the annual event with the city at the Veterans Memorial in La Colonia Community Park. In addition to VFW members representing all branches of the military, the celebration included current and former City Council members, the Camp Pendleton Young Marines, Boy Scout Troop 782, Solana Beach firefighters and retired Army Maj. Alan Reeves, this year’s guest speaker. The Santa Fe Christian High School band performed patriotic songs.

Reeves said when he was young, Memorial Day related back to the Civil War. Recalling his service during World War II, he shared stories about his “boss,” Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, or General Ike, as he was known to his men, Reeves said.

“General Ike had a remarkable character,” he said. Also remarkable, he added, was D-day. “I have never seen so many ships, so many planes.”

Barry Baron, a combat photographer, spoke of his two tours in Vietnam. While photographing planes, the aircraft carrier he sat aboard was listing severely when a high velocity explosion blew him back about two feet, he said.

The ceremony ended with the release of several white doves, the symbol of peace.