GALT, CA (MPG) - Hundreds of American flags waved above headstones at Galt-Arno Cemetery on Memorial Day as the community gathered to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to the nation.

About 200 people attended the annual observance May 25 at the cemetery, 10035 Arno Road, joining family members, veterans and local leaders in remembrance of fallen service members.

The program featured participation from local service groups and residents. Cub Scouts Pack 238 led the Pledge of Allegiance, Michelle Hendricks performed the national anthem and Katherine L. Albiani Middle School student Charlotte Little played Taps. Silvia Fernandez of Special Wings facilitated a dove release.

Cemetery District Board District Manager Belinda N. Ellis opened the ceremony by reflecting on the nation’s 250th anniversary and the sacrifices made by generations of military service members.

“In 250 years, generations of patriots have defended the freedoms we cherish,” Ellis said. “We remember those who fired the First Shots in the American Revolution, those who served in our two World Wars, in Vietnam, Korea, the Middle East.”

“We think about and remember those who are deployed today… As Americans we are fortunate to rely on those who are willing to serve, willing to fight and willing to die for our country,” she added.

Pastor Michael Dube of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church delivered the invocation, offering prayers for those who lost their lives in combat and those currently serving.

“Give us a long memory to recall those who gave the full measure of devotion to our country’s peace and security as we gather to commemorate those among Your servants who have been called to Your bosom in the Land of Light,” Dube said.

Additional remarks were shared by U.S. Army and Navy veteran Mark Ellis, members of the Gonzalez family and Councilmember Shawn Farmer, who each offered messages of remembrance, gratitude and reflection.

In her closing remarks, Ellis explained the significance of the American flag flying at half-staff during the ceremony.

She noted the flag was lowered to honor members of the U.S. military who died in service to the country and then raised back to full staff at the end of the event, symbolizing the commitment of those still living to carry on the freedoms they died defending.

“Today carries deep significance here in the cemetery; this is our busiest day of the year. The crew here has spent hours working to make the cemetery look beautiful,” she said.

“Every one of the staff here has a great appreciation for the cemetery; they understand the grounds they work in are sacred. They understand that everyone buried here has a story, that everyone has family who are missing and grieving their loved ones.”

 

A bouquet of flowers rests beside a memorial at Galt-Arno Cemetery on May 25 honoring service members who never returned home from deployment.