MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The Middletown Cemetery District will hold a Memorial Day service to honor veterans on Monday, May 29.

The ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. at the Mary Hardesty building, on the top of the hill on the cemetery grounds, at 16357 Butts Canyon Road. Parking will be provided.

In addition to the ceremony, a new veterans memorial site will be dedicated that day.

Commander Rich Feiro and Sgt. of the Guard Larry Mick from the Lake County Military Funeral Honors Team will begin the ceremonies and veteran Bill Vonn will do the church calling and playing of “Taps.”

Chaplin Woody Hughes will speak and the team will do the 21-gun salute. They will be ushered in by the Patriot Guard Riders.

District 1 Supervisor Moke Simon will be the guest speaker. Jim Comstock, the retired District 1 supervisor, will read the names of the veterans buried in the Middletown Cemetery, and Simon – who also is tribal chair of Middletown Rancheria – will read the names of tribal members who were veterans.

Middletown Cemetery District Vice Chairwoman Linda Diehl-Darms will act as mistress of ceremonies. The invocation and benediction will be given by Voris Brumfield, president of the Historical Society. David Neft will provide the sound and keyboard, accompanying vocalist Kathleen Escude.

The ceremonies will include colorful flowered wreaths, made by the floral design class from the Middletown High School, and presented in honor of veterans.  

The local 4-H is in charge of the flag ceremony. Girl Scout Troop 10676, with leader Jennifer Popovich, will help with wreath placement and programs, and will place the flags on the 203 Veteran’s graves. Brownies Troop 11314, led by Emily Kasmier, will assist.

The Lion’s Club also faithfully provides the chairs and helps with many set up items on this special day.

The community is invited to join in the festivities and enjoy refreshment afterward.