Guest article by Jim Monteton–
Memorial Day will be celebrated on May 31, this year. Memorial Day, not to be confused with Veterans Day, is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Veterans Day on the other hand celebrates the service of all U. S. Military veterans and is on November 11 each year.
Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day, originated in 1868, after the end of the American Civil War, to commemorate the soldiers who died during that war. It was a time to decorate the graves of the fallen. The end of May seemed to be appropriate since many spring flowers are available. By the 20th century Memorial Day had been extended to honor All Americans who have died in all wars in the past 245 years.
Every year, Sylvan Cemetery in Citrus Heights honors those that gave their lives in the defense of our county. We take time to salute the over 3.5 million men and women that have died in military service defending our country since 1775.
This year the Memorial Day service is being planned to be held on Monday, May 31, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Sylvan Cemetery, 7401 Auburn Blvd.
We are planning on going forward with our Memorial Day ceremony at Sylvan Cemetery. We are also planning on doing the march through the cemetery for all those that wish to join us. The march will include stopping at Veterans sections and saying a prayer and giving a salute.
After the march we will have a 1-hour ceremony at the gazebo. The Harmony Express will be in attendance to sing some patriotic songs and the Citrus Heights Police Department will be there as an honor guard to post the colors.
We would love to see you here but if you are concerned about your health and do not want to attend – we understand.
Jim Monteton is a longtime resident of Citrus Heights, a veteran and an active member in the local American Legion Post 637.
