A day to remember those who have died serving their country

"We cherish too, the poppy red

That grows on fields where valor led,

It seems to signal to the skies

That blood of heroes never dies."

Written by Moina Michael, inspired by the poem, "In Flanders Fields."

Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service to the nation.

A far distance from Waterloo, N.Y., the site officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, Riverview Park in east Carson City is the location of the Korean Veterans Memorial Park, which will be dedicated at 2 p.m. Monday.

Congressman Jim Gibbons is guest speaker for the dedication. Gibbons is a former combat pilot and decorated veteran of both the Vietnam and Persian Gulf wars.

The memorial park was partially funded with commemorative bricks displaying the name of military personnel who served in Korea and its surrounding waters from 1945 to present day.

At the east end of Fifth Street, at Marsh Road, the memorial is modeled after the "Nevada Cities Complex," the last major battle fought in Korea on March 26-30, 1953. Four large rocks represent Carson City, Reno, Elko and Las Vegas. A plaque will display the 34 names of Nevadans who died during the war.

A ceremony honoring veterans buried at Lone Mountain Cemetery and living veterans will be held at 1 p.m. Monday.

The program includes a color guard/honor guard; the U.S. Navy Sea Cadets with Lt. j.g. Robert Bledsaw, invocation by Rev. Dick Campbell, singing of the National Anthem, guest speaker Beth Watson from Woman Army Corps, Chapter 108, reading of the Gettysburg Address, music and benediction.

The Carson City Detachment of the U.S. Marine Corps League holds its annual Memorial Day ceremony at 11 a.m. Monday at Stewart Indian Cemetery on Clear Creek Road, and at noon at Lone Mountain Cemetery.

Both ceremonies include the Carson High School NJROTC, who will provide honor/color guard and firing squad. Those attending who served in the military are asked to wear a symbol on their clothing of their service.

Thursday afternoon, members of Girl Scout Troop 293 of Douglas County placed flowers on veterans' graves at Lone Mountain Cemetery, and held a flag ceremony.

Today, members of several veteran organizations and Boy Scouts and NJROTC cadets will place flags on the graves.

Dave Stultz, sexton of Lone Mountain Cemetery, said there are about 1,000 veteran grave sites spattered around the cemetery from various wars, dating back to the Civil War.

n Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.