By Khalida Sarwari
The Saratoga community is invited to an annual gathering on May 25 to honor veterans and current members of the U.S. military.
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.
Now in its 87th year, the Saratoga Foothill Club-sponsored event is Saratoga’s oldest civic community observance, according to Cynthia Chang, a Foothill Club member who is co-chairing the event again this year, along with Cathie Thermond. This year’s theme is “duty, honor and country,” and the event will seek to pay tribute to those who died while serving in the armed forces as well as those who are currently serving, said Chang.
“It’s not just for the veterans; it’s much broader now,” Chang said. “We thought this is much more inclusive. This is representing the younger generation; they are serving the country as well.”
According to Chang, Saratoga’s observance day event is unique because it’s a small town celebration that incorporates people of all ages: families, civic and church groups, veterans, as well as residents from neighboring towns and cities.
The event should run no longer than an hour, during which Foothill Club president Joyce Hlava will give 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. Maurice Bailey of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints will give the invocation.
The keynote speech will be given by Casey Williams, a veteran of the Iraq War who served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force and is now enrolled at West Valley College with aspirations to attend law school. He’ll be joined by Mitali Shanbhag, a sophomore at Saratoga High School who is involved in student leadership and speech and debate. Mayor Howard Miller will give his remarks, and others will share tributes and reflections and offer prayers. Members of the city council are expected to attend.
Chang said about 700 people attended the event last year. Organizers are hoping for a similar turnout this year.
The organizations that are participating in this year’s program are the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Los Gatos Chapter; the Silicon Valley chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution; 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 Prospect High School choir and band.
The event is free. Attendees are encouraged to park outside Madronia Cemetery.
Link: Saratoga’s Foothill Club will host annual Memorial Day observance
