Veteran’s Day Honored Amidst Pandemic at Sylvan Cemetery

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) – Despite gathering amidst a pandemic many Citrus Heights veterans, their families and members of the community carried on the tradition of honoring the brave men and women past and present who have served their country. Veterans Day in Citrus Heights was held at the Sylvan Cemetery on Wednesday, 11/11, which is the anniversary of the signing of the armistice which ended World War II.  

The service began and concluded with prayers by American Legion Post 637 Chaplain Barry Fitzgerald.

Immediate Past American Legion Post 637 Commander and U. S Marine veteran Paul Reyes emceed the program.

Post 637 member Tom Galovich, provided his resounding voice for the music throughout the morning with Battle Hymn of the Republic, God Bless America; and of course, the Armed Forces Medley where members of each branch of service are recognized.

Sacramento County Supervisor Sue Frost, a Citrus Heights resident and former mayor, faithfully returns to her home turf on Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day to honor our local and other veterans who served their country at home and in other wars and conflicts.

Despite the myriad of issues facing our country today Frost addressed the audience, noting that “Americans are resilient and strong. And in spite of all our differences, there is something that unites us and holds us together. I am comforted by our veterans – knowing about the places they have been, the stories they have shared, the battles that came before and how freedom prevailed”.

Frost then quoted from the Declaration of Independence and Constitution, reminding those gathered of the specific rights of Americans and the duties of the government in relationship to those rights. 

Frost further said, “Our veterans fought in wars to defend our way of live. It’s our job as citizens to be vigilant, understanding what we have and our right and duty to protect it.

Frost remembered two faithful Citrus Heights residents who have recently died.  Jean Duncan was a veteran and one of Citrus Height’s founders (known as Mrs. Citrus Heights by some). She was a business owner, and devoted to her community. She was on the Sylvan Cemetery Board of Trustees and is responsible for the bell tower installed at the entrance in 2013  

Otho Jack Mintz, a veteran and members of American Legion Post 637, was also a well-known presence in Citrus Heights as a full-time volunteer in many areas of the city. He could be seen snapping photographs at all veteran and other community events.

Post 637 Commander Sylvia Thweatt shared her research on the thousands of women and children who have aided their men on the battlefield and in other areas throughout history from the Revolutionary War on. Sarah Emma Edmonds Franklin, a Canadian woman fought at “Robert” Thompson for the Union Army for four years, including at Antietam, the bloodiest one-day battle of the Civil War. Thweatt urged the audience to learn more about these little-known heroes of our wars.

CHPD Police Chief Ron Lawrence thanked the audience for being there to honor veterans, not just to celebrate another holiday. He thanked residents for their unwavering support of the police, saying, “we don’t police this community, we police with this community for you.” There are presently 22 veterans in the force.

Jim Monteton, Sylvan Cemetery Board of Trustees member and U.S. Army veteran shared many heartwarming stories which have furthered his appreciation of his own family members for their military service back to Civil War.

The service ended with a prayer, a song and a recording of a 21-gun salute and TAPS.