Sylvan Cemetery Memorial Service Remembers Its Heroes
May 31, 2016 12:00AM ● By Story by Elise Spleiss - Photos by Jack Mintz
Many stories of great service and of bravery in death by our country's military since the Civil War were shared by family members and read from accounts in history since the Civil War.
A slight delta breeze helped to stave off the already 83-degree temperature as this year’s Memorial Day service at Sylvan Cemetery in Citrus Heights commenced following the traditional procession. The barbershop music of Harmony Express again set a patriotic tone entertaining early arrivals, and performing throughout the morning, including the mandatory Armed Forces Medley. There was a noticeable rise in attendance by women veterans standing during the medley this year.
The Citrus Heights Police Department motorcycle brigade escort followed by the Color Guard and the Sons of the American Revolution, Sons of the Civil War, members of the American Legion Post 637, Boy Scout troop 228 and members of the public wound around parts of the cemetery. Words of explanation with a prayer were said over each plot of ground where those from different wars are buried.
The American Legion Color Guard presented arms, a prayer was said by AL chaplain Jerry Smith, and the MIA/POW flags posted.
American Legion Post 637 Commander Paul Reyes called for a moment of silence for George Marks, who passed away on May 24 at the age of 94. His presence among his fellow veterans and dedication to his country has encouraged and brightened the lives of all who knew him.
Many stories of great service and of bravery in death by our country’s military since the Civil War were shared by family members and read from accounts in history since the Civil War.
Karen Barr Escobar with the CA Dept. of Veteran’s Affairs presented a proclamation of thanks for our veteran’s from Governor Jerry Brown.
A special thank you was given to Boy Scout Troop 228 for decorating the hundreds of veteran’s graves.
One of the highlights of the day was the reading of a poem, “The Flag Speaks”, by Sacramento County Board of Supervisor’s Roberta MacGlashan.
MacGlashan wrote her poem in the 6th grade. It was published in the Santa Barbara News Press in 1963 as the winning entry in the 1963 AmVet’s Post 55 poetry contest in Goleta, CA. The contest still takes place as part of their Americanism program. The poem reminds readers of a youth’s simple and true understanding of what our flag stands for, with a call to all to never forget its meaning!
