Nearly 200 veterans, family members and community leaders took part in a ceremony and solemn march around Sylvan Cemetery in Citrus Heights Tuesday, honoring the lives of those who fought on behalf of their county.
“Our vets, they basically give away their time and life so that we can have our way of life at home,” said Citrus Heights Vice Mayor Sue Frost afterwards, attending the event along with four fellow council members. “So in Citrus Heights, we consider them our treasure.”
Tuesday’s event began with an eight-man Honor Guard from the Citrus Heights Police Department leading a march around the cemetery’s flag-lined road known as the Avenue of Flags, with stops for commemoration and prayer from Jerry Smith of the American Legion Citrus Heights Post 637.
“Real heroes don’t wear capes; they wear dog tags,” said Paul Reyes of Post 637, during an opening speech after the morning march. He was followed by some tunes from the Harmony Express men’s chorus, as well as a quick word from Citrus Heights Mayor Mel Turner about honoring and thanking veterans.
A speech by Sacramento County Supervisor Roberta MacGlashan promised to make information about the County’s veterans benefits easier to access online, and sought to draw a connection between Election Day last Tuesday and Veterans Day this Tuesday.
“Having a free election is one of the freedoms that our veterans fought to protect and one that we hold dear,” said MacGlashan. “So once again I want to thank you for your service.”
The hour-and-a-half long annual event was put on by the local post of American Legion, which also hosts a Memorial Day ceremony each year. (Read prior story here)
Veterans Day’s history traces back to Armistice Day, which marked the close of the first world war in 1918 on the 11th day of the 11th month on the 11th hour — resulting in the November 11 date we remember today.
