Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died in all wars in the past 249 years. Photo courtesy of Pixabay

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - Memorial Day will be celebrated on May 26 this year. 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 and is on Nov. 11 each year.

Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day, originated in 1868, after the end of the American Civil War, to commemorate the soldiers who died during that war.  It was a time to decorate the graves of the fallen.  The end of May seemed to be appropriate since many spring flowers are available. By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died in all wars in the past 249 years.

Every year, Sylvan Cemetery in Citrus Heights honors those who gave their lives in the defense of our county.  We take time to salute the more than four million men and women who have died in military service defending our country since 1775.

This year, the Memorial Day service is being planned to be held May 26 at 11 a.m. at Sylvan Cemetery, 7401 Auburn Blvd.

As in years past, we are planning a Memorial Day ceremony at Sylvan Cemetery.  However, we are not planning on doing the march through the cemetery.  At 11 a.m., we will start the one-hour ceremony at the gazebo.  The Harmony Express will be in attendance to sing some patriotic songs and the Citrus Heights Police Department will be there as an honor guard to post the colors.