By Khalida Sarwari
Saratogans are invited to an annual gathering on May 26 to honor veterans and current members of the U.S. military.
Now in its 86th year, the city’s Memorial Day observance will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Memorial Arch in Blaney Plaza and will continue on to Madronia Cemetery.
The observance day is sponsored annually by the Saratoga Foothill Club to recognize those who died while serving their country in the armed forces. This year’s theme is “dedication, sacrifice, and persistence,” said Cynthia Chang, a Foothill Club member who is co-chairing the event again this year, along with Marguerite McAfee.
“The entire community is involved in this, and it really is meaningful because this is not just another holiday; this is a time when you are paying respects to the fallen, and the kids learn some great lessons just by being a part of it,” she said.
What makes Saratoga’s observance day event special is that it’s a small town celebration that encourages the participation of both young and old, families, civic groups, church groups and veterans, as well as visitors from neighboring towns and cities, Chang said.
“What’s nice about it is it’s an event where all generations get together,” Chang said. “It’s important for the younger generation to hear what the older generation and others have done for them. It’s just really a heartwarming experience.”
The event is expected to last a little more than an hour, during which Foothill Club president Dianna Espinosa will make opening remarks at Blaney Plaza, followed by a flag ceremony led by the Girl Scouts and procession down to Madronia for a performance of “Taps” and the placement of laurel sprays upon soldiers’ graves. Pastor Bill Allison of the Saratoga Federated Church will give the invocation.
The keynote speeches will be given by Master Sgt. David Kennedy and Saratoga High School student Jennifer McAfee. Kennedy is a 28-year veteran of the army and army reserves who is stationed at Moffett Field. He is the son of a Navy veteran.
Mayor Emily Lo will make her remarks, and others will share tributes and reflections and offer prayers. Members of the Saratoga City Council are expected to attend.
Chang said about 800 people attended the event last year. She said organizers are hoping that the same–number of people, if not more, will turn out this year.
“Our club takes great pride in sponsoring this event,” Chang said. “We just want to continue to provide this to our wonderful community.”
Earlier this year, the Foothill Club received $900 in community event grant funding from the city for this event, Chang said.
The organizations that are participating in this year’s program are Boy Scout Troop 535, Girl Scout Service Unit 618, El Sereno 4H Club, Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, the Saratoga Fire District, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Redwood Middle School musicians and the Saratoga High School choir and band.
The event is free. Attendees are encouraged to park outside Madronia Cemetery.
For more information, contact Chang at 408.867.7111.
