Each year, Sylvan Cemetery in Citrus Heights pays tribute to those who gave their lives in service to our country. Photo courtesy of Sylvan Cemetery

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - Memorial Day will be observed on Monday, May 25. This year’s service will begin at 11 a.m. at Sylvan Cemetery, 7401 Auburn Blvd., Citrus Heights.

Unlike Veterans Day, which honors all U.S. military veterans each year on Nov. 11, Memorial Day is dedicated to remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day began in 1868 after the Civil War to honor soldiers who died in that conflict. The holiday was marked by decorating the graves of the fallen, and late May was chosen partly because spring flowers were in bloom. By the 20th century, it had come to recognize all Americans who died in military service.

Each year, Sylvan Cemetery in Citrus Heights pays tribute to those who gave their lives in service to our country. The day honors the more than 4 million men and women who have died in military service since 1775.

The one-hour ceremony will start at 11 a.m. at the gazebo. Harmony Express will perform patriotic music, and the Citrus Heights Police Department will present the honor guard and post the colors.