American Legion hosts Memorial Day Ceremony at Happy Homestead; BBQ to follow

Stella Van Dyke Johnson American Legion Post 795 of South Lake Tahoe invites community members and visitors to join American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, and Sons of the American Legion members for a Memorial Day ceremony at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 27, 2024. The ceremony will be held at Happy Homestead Cemetery, 1261 Johnson Blvd, South Lake Tahoe.

Immediately following the ceremony, the public is invited to join post members for a fun, family-friendly afternoon of live music, BBQ, and games, including horseshoes, darts, badminton, corn-hole, and cash bar at the American Legion Hall, 2748 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe.

“Memorial Day is a time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country,” said Auxiliary President, Carol Olivas. “It’s also an opportunity to meet Post 795 members and find out what we’re all about.”

Memorial Day honors the brave men and women who gave their lives while serving in the U.S. Military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it began during the Civil War when citizens placed flowers on the graves of those who had been killed in battle. After World War I, it was observed in honor of those who had died in all U.S. wars and the name was changed to Memorial Day. It became an official federal holiday in 1971 and is observed annually on the last Monday in May.

Happy Homestead Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 600 veterans. Volunteers are needed to place American flags at their gravesites starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 24, and take them down beginning at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 28.

The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion are actively seeking new members. If interested, please stop by Post 795, or give us a call at 530-541-8788.

For more information about the ceremony and/or volunteering to assist with placing the flags, contact Post 795 Commander, Tom Millham, at 530-308-5215.