CITRUS HEIGHTS, (CA) - Temperatures nearing 100 degrees this past Memorial Day did not deter over 130 Citrus Heights veterans, their families and other attendees from remembering those who lost their lives protecting our country. We were reminded that this is a day of remembering, not a holiday for celebration.

It was standing room only for the first time in two years, as Folsom Harmony Express performed their traditional patriotic songs throughout the morning, including the Armed Forces Medley.

The traditional pre-service march which pauses for reflection at each of the stations explaining each war and conflict returned this year, led by the Boy Scouts and America Legion Post 637 Commander Sylvia Thweatt.

Speakers included former Citrus Heights mayor, now Sacramento County Supervisor Sue Frost. Following the service Frost shared with this reporter that her main message for the day was that ‘freedom is not free’. “The best way to honor our military service personnel serving this country, and those who gave their lives for it is for us to exercise our freedom and live free. First we must understand our rights then exercise them.”                                                                                              

Citrus Heights Police Chief Ron Lawrence reiterated the solemn mood of the day saying, “May we endeavor to eternalize the memory of those we lost, those we never knew, those who gave their all in the noble defense of our great nation and American way of life.”

Finally, American Legion Post 637 Judge Adjutant Jim Monteton reminded the audience that even with the more than 3.5 million men and women lost the last 245 years, there are many more who will never be counted and recognized for their daily silent sacrifice. Those who die from war-related illnesses after their service, such as Agent Orange from Vietnam. Victims of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are still unknown. “Their bodies are there, their minds don’t come home, possibly leading to suicide.”  Finally, our POWs and MIAs remain unnamed.

For those who remain home and wait, a quote in a letter sent to the wife of Brigadier General Strong Vincent during the Civil War speaks of the family’s daily sacrifice. “If I fall, remember you have given your husband to the most righteous cause that ever widowed a woman.”