FAIR OAKS, CA (MPG) - Hundreds gathered for the 28th Annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the Fair Oaks Cemetery District on May 23. The moving tribute honored fallen soldiers and local veterans. This year’s theme celebrated the USO’s 85th anniversary.

The ceremony began with its traditional parade through the cemetery grounds. Bagpipers Kurt Baird and Maxine Barish-Wrenden, along with drummer Mike Marquette, led the procession down the Avenue of Flags, followed by the American Legion Riders Chapter 521, Rio Linda.

Pete Schroeder, chair of the Fair Oaks Cemetery District Board of Trustees, opened the program with introductions and special recognitions, followed by an invocation by Mark Rice of American Legion Post 383.

Troop 380 Scouts and Pack 380 Cub Scouts with Memorial Day Ceremony Chair and Scout Leader Elizabeth Ruygt.

“The Annual Memorial Day Ceremony brings the community together to honor loved ones, past and present, who served their country and sometimes made the ultimate sacrifice,” Schroeder said. “It’s a cherished tradition for many of our Fair Oaks neighbors and local service organizations. I’m honored to be part of it.”

Guest dignitaries and speakers included Senator Roger Niello and representatives from the offices of Congressmember Ami Bera and Supervisor Rich Desmond. Congressmember Bera donated the flag that will fly over the Veterans Memorial Monument at the cemetery.

Senator Niello read a poem honoring the USO and acknowledged the beautiful, park-like cemetery grounds, where flags and crosses adorned more than 2,000 veterans’ gravesites for the holiday.

Scout Cooper, a member of Scouting America Troop 380, delivered the keynote address, discussing the USO's history and significance over the past 85 years.

Members of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 383 were one of several service organizations to place flags and crosses on veterans' gravesites prior to the ceremony. From left are Rena Killian, Ed Winters and District President Suzanne Winters.

As noted in the event program, the USO was founded in 1941 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to provide morale and recreational services to U.S. military personnel during World War II. From 1941 to 1947, the USO operated more than 3,000 clubs and launched USO shows featuring celebrities such as Bob Hope to entertain troops. Since its founding, USO performers have given more than 420,000 shows, entertaining more than 130 million service members. Today, the organization continues to operate worldwide, providing support through more than 250 centers.

Under the direction of Scout Leader Elizabeth Ruygt, SA Troop 380 has participated in the ceremony for 20 years. The Scouts assist with event parking, distribute programs, and conduct the Flag Ceremony. Ruygt also serves as the ceremony’s event planning chair and writes the keynote speech and program. 

“The Fair Oaks Memorial Day Ceremony honoring our veterans is especially meaningful to me as a Gold Star daughter,” said Ruygt, whose father was killed in the Korean War before she was born. “To some, Memorial Day is about picnics, but to me it’s about honoring those who gave their lives. That’s why I have been involved with this project for 20 years.”

Commander Gary Burns from VFW Post 6158 and Chris Siegfried from American Legion Post 383 led the Laying of the Wreath.

The ceremony concluded with the Laying of the Wreath presented by members of the American Legion Post 383 and VFW Post 6158. Attendees were invited to stay for refreshments afterward. 

On Thursday, ahead of the event, volunteers from local service organizations placed flags and crosses on veterans' gravesites. The groups included members of the American Legion Auxiliary 383, Clean and Sober Living, the Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce, the Fair Oaks Rotary Club, and VFW Post 6158. 

Music throughout the ceremony was provided by Anne Peter on guitar and Julie Taggart on bugle. The duo performed the 1940s wartime classic “Boogie-Woogie Bugle Boy.”

Members of the American Legion Riders Chapter 521, Rio Linda, participated in the parade.

The Fair Oaks Cemetery District was established in 1902 by the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors and continues to operate under the direction of a five-member Board of Trustees. Recognizing the need to honor local men and women who served in war and peace, the Board of Trustees created the Veterans Memorial and flagpole as a community project, made possible by generous donations of time, services, and funds. The memorial was dedicated during the first Memorial Day Celebration on May 29, 1999.

The cemetery is located at 7780 Olive St. in Fair Oaks. For more information, visit www.fairoakscemetery.com.