The Central Valley is gearing up to honor fallen United States military personnel this Memorial Day with several commemorative events including military displays, floral tributes, musical performances, and more.
These events, planned for Monday, May 29, will be hosted by the Veterans of Foreign War, the American Legion, and other organizations across Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties.
In Modesto, the Veterans of Foreign War Post 3199 will conduct their annual tossing of floral wreaths and flowers at the Lion Bridge on Seventh Street at 9 a.m. Monday. The ceremony will also include a 21-gun salute and honor guard.
Also in Modesto, the Korean War Veteran Chapter #316 will hold a ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Stanislaus Veterans Center, located at 3500 Coffee Road Suite #15. The ceremony will be followed by a free meal for all veterans; the meal is available for $12 for non-veterans.
In Riverbank, an event will take place at the Riverbank Community Center – Veterans Wall from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday. The community center is located at 3600 Santa Fe St.
In Turlock, the American Legion Rex Ish Post 88 is hosting a Memorial Day program at Turlock Memorial Park at 10 a.m. The park is located at 575 N. Soderquist Rd.
Meanwhile, Manteca's annual Not Forgotten Memorial Day Commemoration has been canceled indefinitely. The event's founder, Michael Dillman, stated that after 15 years of hosting the event, they were simply unable to continue. However, a new project to remember the fallen, focusing on the 62 men from Manteca who gave their lives for freedom dating back to World War I, is in the works.
At the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs is hosting a Memorial Day commemoration ceremony from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
The California Department of Parks and Recreation is offering free admission to 130 participating state parks for veterans, active duty, and reserve military personnel on Memorial Day. A valid military ID or proof of discharge, other than dishonorable or bad conduct, is required to receive free admission. The list of participating parks can be found on the department's website.
The Central Valley community is set to come together to remember and honor the sacrifices of those who gave their lives in service to our country. As we head into Memorial Day, let us pause to reflect on their service and sacrifice.
