Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - On Monday, May 26, 2014, Alachua County will hold the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the Forest Meadows Cemetery (3700 SE Hawthorne Road, Gainesville). In case of inclement weather, the alternate location will be Trinity United Methodist Church. The event begins at 11 a.m. It is free and open to the public. There is often a large crowd and it is advised to come early and bring seating.

The Memorial Day Ceremony is a respectful commemoration to military service members who lost their lives in service to the country. The event features multiple patriotic presentations from various veteran and military organizations. Guest speakers include: The Jon C Thomas Family, Director of the North Florida South Georgia Veterans Health System Tom Wisnieski, the Marine Corps League Gator Detachment, Iwo Jima Veteran Bob Gasche, Wings of Dreams Executive Director, Captain Bob Oehl, and U.S. Congressman Honorable Ted Yoho.

Alachua County Veteran Services Director, Kim Smith said, “Memorial Day is often celebrated by families with barbecues and picnics, but we should remember the reason for this holiday is to honor the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.” She continued, “All are welcome to this honorable ceremony where we remember and pay our respects to our American Veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.”

For more information, contact Forest Meadows Cemetery at 352-378-2528.