Veterans and their Families Honored at Sylvan Cemetery Veterans Day
Nov 16, 2022 12:00AM ● By Story and photo by Elise Spleiss
Members of American Legion Post 637, Citrus Heights Police Department, Sacramento County Supervisor Sue Frost (center in blue), Citrus Heights City staff and City Council, community veterans, and members of Daughters of the American Revolution gathered at Sylvan Cemetery on Veterans Day to honor veterans past and present.
CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) – It was a cool morning on November 11, as members of Citrus Heights American Legion Post 637 (AL), other veterans and family members, and dignitaries from the city and county, along with members of the community arrived to honor the brave men and women past and present who have served our country in the military since the days of the Civil War.
Members of the Citrus Heights Police Department honor guard presented arms for the service and the Folsom Harmony Express Men’s Chorus comprised of military veterans performed their traditional patriotic songs during the service.
AL 637 past commander Paul Reyes emceed the program. The service included prayers by AL Post 637 Chaplain James Miranda.
Sacramento County Supervisor Sue Frost, a Citrus Heights resident and former mayor, noted how appropriate it is for Veterans Day to be so close to election day. “For it is our veterans who preserved our constitutional rights for 246 years.”
She added, “Military Service is not for the faint of heart.” No other occupation requires you to risk life or limb or threatens harsh discipline if [you] disobey the boss. Many veterans continue to serve as police and first responders.”
In conclusion, Frost quoted General Douglas McArthur who said, “The soldier, above all people prays for peace.”
On behalf of the Citrus Heights City Council, Vice Mayor Tim Schaefer, also a veteran, spoke, acknowledging he had no idea what he was signing up for when he enlisted, but still has a sense of duty to his country even today. He thanked the veterans for their service.
Police Chief Alex Turcotte reminded all that police officers share a kindred spirit with the military, always being ready to sacrifice themselves if necessary.
A representative from Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) explained that members of DAR are direct descendants of American patriots of the Civil War. These patriots also sacrificed for the freedoms we have today. She urged all to “support our freedoms by voting and helping organization[s] that serve veterans.”
A surprise for the day came at the end of the service when Reyes revealed to his audience the beginning of the fruition of a dream he had, and the project he began working on last July.
After much hard work and barriers overcome, Reyes announced with profound sentiment and gratitude the good news that Citrus Heights was approved to host the replica of the ‘Wall that Heals,’ Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington DC.
He said a presentation was made about the memorial on his behalf at the City Council meeting on November 15. The council voted unanimously to approve $10,000 to help pay for the display of the ‘Wall that Heals’ replica. Citrus Heights will be the second city in California to have the travelling structure of the memorial.
He said Operations Manager Kathy Miller informed him via zoom meeting that Citrus Heights survived a national lottery, and the wall should arrive next spring.
This was a momentous occasion for the City of Citrus Heights, said Reyes.