The City of Gaithersburg will hold its Memorial Day Observance on Thursday, May 30 at Christman Park (304 West Deer Park Road).
Loyalty and patriotism will be on full display as the City of Gaithersburg joins the nation in honoring all who have given their lives in military service at its Memorial Day Observance on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Christman Park. The public is invited to join the Mayor and City Council, Junior Mayor Abdel Espinoza Laguna, City staff and honored guests in a tribute to those of all generations who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Joining the May 30 observance is guest speaker retired Navy Commander Robert Carlisle, United States Navy Reserve. Cmdr. Carlisle is a 1988 graduate of the United States Naval Academy and has served more than 20 years in both active duty and reserve positions as a surface warfare officer, nuclear engineer, and information operations officer. During his naval career, he circumnavigated the globe while completing three deployments to the Indian Ocean, Mediterranean and Southeast Asia areas of operations. In March 2003, he was recalled to active duty to serve at Military Sealift Command Europe headquarters in Naples Italy to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cmdr. Carlisle now works as a defense acquisition expert with the Department of the Navy in Washington, D.C.
The patriotic ceremony will include words and music to commemorate the occasion, followed by a solemn wreath-laying ceremony. The Cadet Color Guard of Gaithersburg High School will present the colors, Chloe Jackson, American University junior, will perform the national anthem, and “Taps” will be played by Abigail Namikisa of the Gaithersburg High School Band. At the event, guests will be invited to fill out a card and provide a 4×6 photograph for a Book of Tribute, honoring friends and family members who serve.
Christman Park, named for Marine 2nd Lt. William J. Christman III, a Gaithersburg resident who was killed in Vietnam, is located at 304 West Deer Park Road in Gaithersburg. Groups or individuals interested in attending or participating in the Memorial Day Observance may contact Dorthy Winder at 301-258-6350 or e-mail [email protected]. For more information, visit the City’s website at www.gaithersburgMD.gov.
To end homelessness for Veterans in our community, Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless (MCCH) provides specialized Safe Haven shelters and operates a supportive housing program. Serving more than 75 Veterans a year, they rely on community help to ensure Veterans have everything needed to move from shelter into a home. You can donate items or financial help during the Memorial Day Observance. Move In Kit items from our 30X30 Challenge are listed here and online donations can be made here. For more information, email Tali Malcolm at [email protected].
Flags for Our Heroes, featuring a giant display of American flags, returns to the lawn at Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm, Friday, May 24 through noon on Monday, May 27. A formal opening ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 25 at 11 a.m. There will be a flag retirement ceremony on Sunday, May 26 at 6:30 p.m.
Flags are sponsored by individuals and organizations to honor their “heroes.” Click here for sponsorship details. Flags for Our Heroes is organized by the Rotary Clubs of Gaithersburg, Montgomery Village, and Historic Emory Grove and is hosted by the City of Gaithersburg.