Public Invitation to a Memorial Day Ceremony

As genealogists, we feel compelled to honor those who have preserved both the history and the future of our great country. Here's one way we can do so. I received the following message from Randy Ott, a veteran Marine and personal friend:

M a r i n e C o r p s L e a g u e

Melvin M. Smith Detachment #586
300 West Mission Avenue
Spokane, Washington 99205

“Once A Marine, Always A Marine”

April 25, 2008

Greetings to all who wish to remember our fallen service men and women,

The Melvin M. Smith Detachment of the Marine Corps League, along with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 51, will be conducting a Memorial Day Ceremony at Fairmount Memorial Park on Monday, May 26, 2008. Our Ceremony is a time for family and friends to pause on this special day to remember the deceased veterans from all branches of our Armed Forces.

The Memorial Day speaker will be Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers.

The Ceremony will be held at the Iwo Jima Memorial, Fairmount Memorial Park, 5200 West Wellesley, on Monday, May 26, 2008 at 11:30 AM. The Ceremony will last approximately 30 minutes. In the event of inclement weather the Ceremony will be moved to the Sunset Chapel.

Everyone is welcome to join us. You may bring a lawn chair or a folding chair for comfort. The area fills up fast, so please come early. We encourage you to bring a flower or a U.S. Flag to show your patriotism. You may leave the flower on the grave of a fallen Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine.

Following the Ceremony, there will be a luncheon at VFW Post 51, 300 W. Mission. Congress-woman Cathy McMorris Rodgers and her family will be attending. If you plan to attend the luncheon please let me know when you call (509) 998-9031. We need this information for luncheon planning. The cost is about $6.50 per person.

Sincerely,
Randy Ott
M.M. Smith Detachment Commandant &
Chairman of the Memorial Day Ceremony