Media Release

​ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - On Monday, May 30, 2016, the annual Memorial Day Ceremony will be held at the Forest Meadows Cemetery (3700 S.E. Hawthorne Road, Gainesville). In case of inclement weather, the alternate location will be Trinity United Methodist Church (4000 N.W. 53rd Ave, Gainesville). 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. Many seats are provided, but visitors may wish to bring seating.

The Memorial Day Ceremony is a respectful remembrance of military service members who lost their lives in service to the country. The event features multiple patriotic presentations from various veteran and military organizations and various guest speakers. Forest Meadows is providing a free barbecue to attendees. Iwo Jima Veteran Mr. Bob Gasche will be the Master of Ceremonies.

Alachua County Veteran Services Director Kim Smith said, “While some think Memorial Day weekend is for sales and fun times, it is important that we recognize what Memorial Day really is; the day to take the time to remember and honor the men and women who died while serving in our nation’s armed forces.” She continued, “All are welcome to attend and pay respects to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, and to take the time to appreciate that freedom by joining us to honor our hometown heroes.”

For more information, contact Forest Meadows Funeral Home’s Jim Lynch at 352-538-3119.