Cordova High School Jr.ROTC presents the Colors at the 2024 Memorial Day event. Photo courtesy of Cordova Community Council

 

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Rancho Cordova will pause to remember those who have served the nation during a Memorial Day Observance on Monday, May 26.

The event will begin at 10 a.m. at the Cordova High School Performing Arts Center, 2239 Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova, and feature patriotic music from the Rancho Cordova River City Concert Band.  

This year’s annual event will focus on the symbolic importance of red poppies, forever linked to military sacrifice and made famous by the poem “In Flanders Fields,” by Col. John McCrae, an Army surgeon, and written after a battle in World War I.

“We are hoping to introduce the meaning of important patriotic symbols to a new generation,” said Shelly Blanchard, executive director of the Cordova Community Council, which is organizing the event.  

That effort includes a student art contest in which young artists capture the image and meaning of the red poppy. The artwork will be on display, and winners will be announced. Red poppy seeds will also be distributed to attendees.

Memorial Day originated during the American Civil War when communities began decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. In 1971, Memorial Day became a federal holiday and is observed nationwide with ceremonies like those planned for Rancho Cordova.

In addition to moving musical tributes, the event will include recognition of veterans, a ceremonial flag presentation by the Cordova High School Jr. Air Force ROTC, wreath placement representing the community of Rancho Cordova, explanation into the symbolic meaning of red poppies, and a moving “Missing Man” tribute during the one-hour program.

Following the observance, attendees are urged to stay for a complimentary hot dog lunch barbecue hosted by the Non-Commissioned Officers Association. Various local veteran organizations will be on hand to distribute information.

Rancho Cordova City Councilman and Cordova Community Council President David M. Sander, Ph.D. will emcee the event. Admission is free of charge and the community is encouraged to attend.