The Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion Post 6604 and the Rolling Hills Blue Star Moms hosted a poignant Memorial Day ceremony in Folsom Monday morning, honoring the brave fallen for their sacrifices.
The somber echoes and acts of remembrance filled both Folsom’s Lakeside Memorial Lawn and the Folsom Veterans Hall throughout much of the morning.
The events of the day commenced at 9 a.m. with a beautiful rose-laying tribute for some 700 veteran gravesites at Lakeside Memorial Lawn. The Rolling Hills Blue Star Moms, joined by the Scouts of America and additional volunteers from all likes of the communty came together to tenderly adorned the headstones with roses as they were surrounded by a sea of red, white and blue with flags waving throughout the cemetery, each fluttering in the breeze as a silent salute to the fallen.
Later in the morning, the notes of “TAPS” reverberated through the air, a solemn homage to the departed veterans forever resting in Lakeside. The honorable song was rendered by Gene Bell of Bugles Across America.
At the 11 am hour the Memorial Day festivities moved just up the street as a tribute and flag retirement ceremony commenced at Veterans Hall. Following an opening prayer readings, Congressman Kevin Kiley delivered remarks focused on the day as well as the heroism and sacrifice made by all who have served, as attendees, including local dignitaries, military families, veterans and more reflected on the significance of the day. The many locals were joined by special guest Lance Izumi J.D., the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army California-Sacramento. Folsom Mayor Mike Kozlowski and Vice Mayor Sarah Aquino were among the many dignitaries at the event as well.
In a closing act of reverence, VFW members solemnly raised the service flags, accompanied by the retirement and raising of Old Glory. As the ceremony drew to a close, it was followed by further celebration as many stuck around for lunch that was served at the the facility, where a mix of remembrance, camaraderie, and community all intertwined.
Holiday 101: About Memorial Day
The Memorial Day holiday takes place annually on the last Monday in May and is a dedicated day for honoring U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States armed forces.
Over 1.3 Million Americans have paid the ultimate sacrifice for their nation.
When was Memorial Day first celebrated?
Memorial Day was originally called “Decoration Day.” On May 30 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans, Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, established Decoration Day as a way for the nation to honor the graves of those who died in the Civil War with flowers, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
It is believed that May 30th was chosen by Logan as the day to observe Decoration Day because flowers would be in bloom nationwide, according to the VA.
What state first celebrated Memorial Day?
There are debates over which city was the origin place of Memorial Day, although the first large observation was held at Arlington National Cemetery for a crowd of about 5,000 in 1868.
In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo, New York the official “birthplace” of the holiday, according to the VA.
Veterans Day and Memorial Day both honor the U.S. military community, but both holidays serve different purposes.
When was it declared a federal holiday?
In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday, placing it as the last Monday in May. According to the VA, the day was expanded to honor all those who have died in American wars.
Congress in December 2000 passed and the president signed into law “The National Moment of Remembrance Act,” to ensure those who sacrificed their lives for the country were not forgotten.
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