Members of Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Chapter 33-7 Sacramento visit the burial site of their friend, Corpseman Rick " Doc" Dobbs. They visit every year. Photo by Elise Spleiss

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) – The Sylvan Cemetery gazebo filled up early with veterans, their family and many guests on May 26, Memorial Day.

As is tradition, the Harmony Express choral group performed throughout the morning.

American Legion Post 637 Past Commander and Master of Ceremony Paul Reyes welcomed all veterans and guests. Special guests were Sacramento County Supervisor Rosario Rodriquez, Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa, Councilmembers MariJane Lopez- Taff, Kelsey Nelson and Tim Schaefer, City Manager Ash Feeney, and Police Chief Alex Turcotte. 

Police Chief Turcotte said that the day was not a happy day but a “God bless the fallen and their families, and a ‘God Bless America’ day.”

Deborah Bartlett, Second-Vice Regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution General John A. Sutter Chapter spoke of the 80th anniversary of the World War II conclusion. More than 400 thousand Americans died and more than one million were wounded, serving as a testament to the cost of liberty. This year is also the 50th anniversary of the official Vietnam War end. More than 58,000 lost their lives. Finally, July 4, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Citrus Heights City Council joins the Citrus Heights Police Department Color Guard and the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Photo by Elise Spleiss

Reyes reminded all that 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, Marines and Navy.

Post 637 First-Vice Commander Justin McCauley reminded the audience that the liberties we enjoy today have been secured through courage, dedication and those who answer the call to defend our nation. The spirits of our fallen heroes also remind us that freedom is never free. Their sacrifices echo through history, from the battlefields of Gettysburg, Normandy, mountain tops of Korea, jungles of Vietnam, deserts of Iraq and caves of Afghanistan.

The service ended with the three-volley rifle salute, taps and a bugle rendition of Amazing Grace.  

Reyes thanked the Sylvan Cemetery manager, Citrus Heights Police Department Color Guard and Harmony Express for their help with the service.