Veterans honored during Citrus Heights march, ceremony

Updated Nov. 12, 11:43 a.m.–
Veterans, City leaders, and community members gathered for a Veterans Day ceremony and solemn march at Sylvan Cemetery Wednesday, expressing appreciation for those who’ve served in America’s armed forces.

The hour-long event began with a 10:30 a.m. march around the cemetery’s “Avenue of Flags,” led by a pair of Citrus Heights police motorcycles and four-member “Honor Guard,” followed by the local Boy Scouts Troop 228, and others. Marchers proceeded along the avenue, with stops for commemoration, reading of passages from the Bible, and prayer from Chaplain Jerry Smith of the American Legion Post 637.

Marchers were greeted with sounds of “The Star Spangled Banner” being sung by the Folsom Harmony Express men’s choir, as the march concluded with a timely 11 a.m. ceremony under the cemetery’s central gazebo.

“On this day, on this month, at this hour, our nation remembers the moment when the guns of WWI went silent, and we recognize the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans,” American Legion Commander Paul Reyes told the group of about 150 attendees — his comment referring to the 1918 formal close of the first world war on the 11th day, of the 11th month, on the 11th hour, resulting in the date now recognized as Veterans Day.

Commander Reyes praised veterans as “our finest citizens,” and his fellow Legionnaire Jim Monteton highlighted the optimism of veterans, beginning 239 years ago when America’s “rag-tag” forces stood up to powerful British forces, and won.

[Additional photos: see slideshow below]

Sharing highlights from history and appreciation for veterans, other speakers at the ceremony included Citrus Heights Police Chief Christopher Boyd, County Supervisor Roberta MacGlashan, and Citrus Heights Mayor Sue Frost.

“Veterans and their families have sacrificed themselves to preserve what we Americans cherish – life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” Mayor Frost told those assembled. “We are grateful for it, we won’t forget it, and we thank you.”

Wednesday’s ceremony concluded with the reading of Psalm 91, a rifle salute from the local chapter of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, and the playing of taps.