Public invited to attend Memorial Day ceremony at Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise

Idahoans are encouraged to attend the annual Memorial Day ceremony at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise.

The Idaho Division of Veterans Services said in a press release that the hour-long event begins at 10 a.m. Monday, May 30, at the cemetery, which is co-located with Dry Creek Cemetery, 10100 Horseshoe Bend Road.

The ceremony is held every year to honor and remember those who died serving in defense of the U.S., as well those who served and are still serving in the military.

This year’s ceremony will include a wreath presentation by multiple veteran and civic organizations, an aircraft flyover performed by the 124th Fighter Wing, support and participation by the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Air Force, the press release said. Speakers will include representatives from the governor’s office and elected officials, while the keynote speaker will be combat veteran Dan Nelson.

Public parking for the event will be at Optimist Park, located at the intersection of Hill and Horseshoe Bend roads. Transportation will be provided by buses donated by the Brown Bus Company and Valley Regional Transit.

The cemetery will be decorated with U.S. flags at each gravesite by the Captain Art Jackson Young Marines on the morning of Saturday, May 25th. The flags will complement the cemetery’s Avenue of Flags raised by members from The Mission Continues of Boise.

As part of the Memorial Day holiday weekend, volunteers from Bugles Across America will render TAPS and the Boise Highlanders will play “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes at noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

For information, contact the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery at 208-780-1340 or go to http://www.veterans.idaho.gov/cemetery.