Veterans and community members, including military and first responders, gathered at the annual Sylvan Cemetery Veteran’s Day service.

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) – Sylvan Cemetery’s Veteran’s Day service last week opened with the traditional Posting of Colors (flags) by the Citrus Heights Police Department Color Guard and music by the Folsom Harmony Express men’s choir entertaining attendees.

Emcee Jim Montenton, a member of the Sylvan Cemetery Board and American Legion Post 637, opened the service reminding the almost full house that this is a special year: the 250th anniversary of the U.S Army, U.S Navy and the U.S. Marine Corp.

Sacramento County Supervisor Rosario Rodriquez greeted attendees and thanked those who have served. 

Former Sacramento County Supervisor Sue Frost and her husband, Jack, surprised the crowd, as they were visiting from Arkansas. 

Citrus Heights Police Chief Alex Turcotte talked about how many veterans return from their military service and exchange their military uniform for a blue one as a police officer, a different color as a fireman or other security jobs to continue to protect their community.

Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa thanked all veterans and the families that have stood with them. She read a piece that “Freedom has a heartbeat that beats within the hearts of all veterans.”

Citrus Heights City Manager Ash Feeney thanked all veterans for what they have done and the many that continue to serve in different ways. He spoke about the Veterans Memorial Project now at Citrus Heights. Funds are being raised for the design and eventual construction of an almost full-scale replica of the Vietnam Wall in Washington D.C. To learn more, visit www.chvmp.org.

American Legion Commander Charles Stone said those who serve not only serve the people but the idea that this country is worth fighting for. Veterans came from all over, from big cities to small towns, from all professions, to answer the call to service. Stone also thanked all the family relatives who made their service possible.

Deborah Bartlett with the Daughters of the American Revolution said, “They say you die twice, once when you stop breathing and again when your name is spoken for the last time.”

Of the 761 from California who died during the Global War period, four are from Citrus Heights.

Three Daughters of the American Revolution members, including Sue Frost read from cards depicting the service history of those four, one who died in Afghanistan, two in Baghdad and one in Iraq. At the end of the service, they dedicated a Trex bench made from plastics they had collected.

Finishing out the day, Monteton reminded attendees that 1,400 veterans are buried at the Sylvan Cemetery, including nine from the Civil War. 

The Harmony Express group sang, “God Bless America” followed by the three-volley (rifle) salute and Taps.