CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - Memorial Day will be celebrated on May 27, 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.

Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day, originated after the American Civil War in 1868 to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War. 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 240 years.

Every year, Sylvan Cemetery in Citrus Heights honors those that gave their lives in the defense of their county. This year the Memorial Day service will be held on Monday, May 27, 2019, at Sylvan Cemetery, 7401 Auburn Blvd., Citrus Heights.

The ceremony begins at 10:30 am with a march through the historical section of the cemetery, stopping briefly at each flag station to read a prayer and salute the flag.

The men marching include the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary, VFW, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Sons of the American Revolution, Boys Scout troop 228, Police Officers of the Citrus Heights Police Department and all others that wish to march. The march will last about 30 minutes.

The march will conclude at the gazebo where there will be a one-hour ceremony from 11:00 am to 12:00 am. Many of the men marching will be in uniform – past and present – from American Revolution to modern day.