The Vacaville Veterans are holding a Memorial Day Ceremony at the Vacaville Elmira Cemetery

DIXON, CA (MPG) - American flags have begun to sprout all over town as Dixonites join the millions of Americans across our country in recognition of Memorial Day, a federal holiday marked to remember those who died in military service to the United States of America.

Some of those flags were placed throughout the business section of downtown in a collaborative effort of the American Legion Post 208 and Dixon’s Scout Troop 152.

Scoutmaster Leonard Oram along with his Eagle Scout son, Corey, and some of the other 14 boys in the troop set them out and will pick them up as part of their service to community and showing of patriotism.

Cub Scouts from Troop 253, also a part of the Golden Empire Council in Sacramento, along with their families and with the guidance of Assistant Scoutmaster John Decker, will also be helping to memorialize our military heroes at the Silveyville Cemetery, 800 South First Street, across from the Dixon May Fair.

There are 750 veterans including 16 at Tremont and maybe some out at Binghampton Cemetery, according to Silveyville staff. They also have one gravesite headstone marked “Tomb of the Unknown,” dedicated to deceased U.S. service members whose remains have not been identified. Flags will be placed at all of them.

“Some of the things we do to teach patriotism start with the Pledge of Allegiance, which we say before every meeting,” said Oram. “We also work on multiple community service projects during the year, including placing flags not only on Memorial Day but also on Veteran’s Day.” The scouts do a food drive every March with the food staying in Dixon assistance pantries, put out the trash and recycle containers along the street the morning of the Dixon May Fair Parade and pick up trash at the parks in the community.

The Scouts work on Merit Badges that teach Citizenship in the Community, Nation, and World with each one earning them a different Merit Badge.

“Within each rank that they earn are some different lessons on citizenship,” Oram explained. “These are just a few ways that the Scouts are exposed to patriotism without it seeming like a homework assignment from school.” 

While there are no Memorial Day services planned for Dixon due to lingering COVID restrictions, the Vacaville Veterans are holding a Memorial Day Ceremony at the Vacaville Elmira Cemetery on Monday, May 31, at 11 am.

With the theme of Duty, Honor, Country Remembered, the tribute will consist of numerous speakers and presentations by Gold Star Mothers and Families; Tina Benedict; Vacaville Firefighters; Sacramento Valley National Cemetery Honor Guard; Boy Scouts; and the US Air Force Sergeants Association.

Taking Covid-19 precautions, you are asked to bring your own chairs.

The Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road, reports viewing is open from sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year and volunteers are placing flags as well but there is no official service planned at that location.