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Tag: Honor Guard

  • Citrus Heights: Veterans honored for sacrifice, defending freedom

    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.

    Jerry Smith, Veterans Day. Photo credit: Luke Otterstad
    Jerry Smith, of American Legion Citrus Heights Post 637, walks past Honor Guards during the Veterans Day event.

    “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.

  • Sylvan Memorial Day Ceremony: Freedom Isn’t Free

    A Memorial Day ceremony held at Sylvan Cemetery was led by Citrus Heights Police Dept.'s Honor Guard.
    A Memorial Day ceremony held at Sylvan Cemetery was led by Citrus Heights Police Dept.’s Honor Guard.

    A large crowd of veterans and community members packed under the gazebo at Sylvan Cemetery today in remembrance of the many Americans who lost their lives in combat since the Revolutionary War began in 1775.

    “We need to remember why we’re here today,” said Citrus Heights Mayor Mel Turner, who mentioned in his speech that his son recently retired from the military. “It’s not about barbecues, the Budweisers, and those kinds of things — it’s really about honoring and recognizing and acknowledging those folks who have done so many important things to allow us to do the things we do today.”

    Beginning with a procession along the cemetery’s “Avenue of Flags,” the event concluded with a memorial service which featured speeches by Citrus Heights council members, veterans, and city Police Chief Christopher Boyd.

    Speakers emphasized remembrance of the sacrifice of soldiers who have lost their lives, and the role the military has played in protecting freedom in America, beginning with the Revolutionary War.

    “Americans must remember that freedom isn’t free,” said Paul Reyes, of the Citrus Heights American Legion post. “In fact it’s only possible because our fallen heroes have paid its high price.”