DIXON, CA (MPG) - This coming Monday, May 29, is far more than an extra day for boating at Lake Berryessa; it is a day that all Americans can show honor for those who served in the military and who have died. In Dixon, formal Memorial Day services will begin at 11 am with a solemn but brief ceremony at the Silveyville Cemetery ‘Tomb of the Unknown’ and the public is invited. There, veterans will expend a 21-gun salute and after that the group will move to the flagpole where they will ‘raise the colors’ while Veteran of the Year Roger Schaller plays the TAPS on his trumpet. A message will be given by Mayor Steve Bird.

Citizens will note the large number of flags at the gravesites of veterans that have been placed as part of a long tradition by the Cub Scouts of Pack 253, Golden Empire Council along with Troop 152 Boy Scouts of Dixon.

There are 750 veterans including 16 at Tremont and maybe some out at Binghampton Cemetery, according to Silveyville Cemetery staff. The one gravesite headstone marked ‘Tomb of the Unknown’ is dedicated to a deceased U.S. service member whose remains have not been identified. Flags will be placed at all known veterans. The Silveyville Cemetery is at 800 South First Street, across from the Dixon May Fair.

The ceremony will then move and continue at 11:30 am to the Dixon Women’s Improvement Club Park at the corner of North First and C Streets. There is a large, engraved marker and flags for the local Unknown Soldiers who were KIAs (Killed in Action.) It reads, “In memory of those who answered the call to arms and made the supreme sacrifice for their country and for freedom.”

From World War I, there were Clarence Frese and Henry Misfeldt. From World War II, Dixon lost William Barnard, Joseph Bello, Leroy Cagle, Paul Doyle, Ellwood Norton, Keith Revelle, Sr., Lester Rohwer and Gilbert Smith. In the Korean War, Wyatt Duncan, Orlin Toohey, and Burton McNaughton died. In the Vietnam War, deaths included Gerald Ackley, Robert Folsom, and Timothy Tipton. Most recently and in the Iraq War was Shawn G. Adams.

After those services, people are invited to the Veterans Memorial Hall, 1305 North First Street, for some light refreshments. 

For the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery at 5810 Midway Road in Dixon, there will also be a Memorial Day service starting at 9 a.m. at the flagpole area.

Director of SVNC William T. Pickard III and National Cemetery Support Committee President Frank Romo, will welcome guests at this patriotic event which will include the presentation of colors, the National Anthem, playing of taps, and a rifle salute. Music will be provided by the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West.