Memorial Day will be celebrated on May 30 of this year at the Sylvan Cemetery at 7401 Sylvan Blvd, Citrus Heights beginning at 10:30 a.m.

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 were 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 who gave their lives in the defense of their county. As is tradition the morning begins at 10:30 a.m. with a procession through the historical section of the cemetery, stopping briefly at each flag station to read a prayer and salute the flag in honor of the veterans who died during that war.

The men and women processing prior to the service include the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary, Veterans of  Foreign Wars,  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 procession will last about 30 minutes, and will conclude at the gazebo were there will be a one-hour ceremony from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Many of the veterans marching will be in uniform — past and present — from the American Revolution to modern day.