5.6.2022 Gaithersburg to Recognize Fallen Soldiers on Memorial Day
Gaithersburg, MD – (May 4, 2022) 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 Monday, May 30, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Christman Park. The public is invited to join the Mayor and City Council, Junior Mayor, 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 will be guest speaker Dr. Richard W. Thomas, MD, DDS, FACS (Major General - Retired). Dr. Thomas retired as a Major General from the United States Army with more than 26 years of service. During his career he commanded at multiple levels within the Army, including serving as the Director of Healthcare Operations and the Chief Medical Officer for the Defense Health Agency; Commanding General of the Western Regional Medical Command; Surgeon General, USFORCES-Afghanistan; Chief, U.S. Army Medical Corps; and numerous other staff and leadership positions. Dr. Thomas has also served multiple combat tours supporting operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Panama.
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, award-winning artist Andrea Rene' Williams will perform the national anthem, and "Taps" will be played by Ismail Akdere, Gaithersburg High School Band Trumpet Section Leader. At the event, guests will be invited to fill out a card and provide a 4x6 photograph for a Book of Tribute, honoring friends and family members who serve.
Christman Park, named for 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 Dorthy.Winder@gaithersburgmd.
To support homeless veterans in Montgomery County, the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless (MCCH) provides safe, stable and affordable housing to an average of 75 homeless veterans each year. Donations, including food, toiletries and cleaning supplies, are being collected to assist veterans with their move. A complete list is available on the City's website here. Donations can be dropped off during the Memorial Day Observance. Monetary donations are also being accepted. Please make checks payable to the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless. Online donations can be made here. For more information, e-mail Martha Toquinto at mommaofamarine@yahoo.com.
Flags for Our Heroes, featuring a giant display of American flags, returns to the lawn at Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm, Friday, May 27 through Monday, May 30. The flag display, which is lit at night, can be enjoyed 24 hours a day. A formal opening ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 28 at 11 a.m. There will be a worn flag retirement ceremony at dusk on Sunday, May 29.
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.
