MARTINEZ, Calif. – Martinez will remember those who gave their lives in American military service in two ceremonies Monday, Memorial Day, according to an announcement released by the city.
Martinez Veterans Commission is the host of the commemorations, which will start with a flag raising at 8:30 a.m. in front of the Veterans Building, 930 Court St.
The first of two Memorial Day programs will start at 9 a.m. at the Alhambra Cemetery on Carquinez Scenic Drive. That also will start with a flag raising and music by bagpiper Scott Parker. Martinez Veterans Commission Vice Chairperson Ingemar Olsson will give a prayer. Commission Chairperson Shane Bower will give a welcome and make introductions.
Scout Troop 1351 will participate, leading the pledge of allegiance and the placing of a wreath at the site. The U.S. Navy Sea Cadets and League of Cadet Corps Diablo Squadron will present the colors, and a bell will be tolled while names of fallen military will be read. The ceremony will conclude with Olsson’s benediction and the song “Taps.”
A longer ceremony will start with Parker’s music and a flag raising by the Sea Cadets and Cadet Corps at 10 a.m. Monday at Ignacio Plaza, 525 Henrietta St. Olsson will give a prayer, and the Martinez Community Chorus, led by Gail Haefke, will perform the National Anthem and other selections during the ceremony.
Scout Troop 1351 will lead the pledge of allegiance.
Bower will welcome those attending, and Commission member Michael Menesini will make introductions. Commissioner Richard Philbrook will give a remembrance.
Mayor Rob Schroder will give a message, and statements from U.S. Reps. Mike Thompson and Mark DeSaulnier, District 5 Contra Costa County Supervisor Federal Glover and others. Anthony Jenny will give the Memorial Day message.
The Cadets will place a wreath at the park.
The ceremony will conclude with Olsson’s benediction, a three-rifle volley by the American Legion Post 29 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1351 and the playing of “Taps.”
A community lunch will be available at the Veterans Building after the ceremony.
These events are free and open to the public. Those interested may call the Martinez Recreation Office, 9250372-3510 or email recreation@cityofmartinez.org.
