Memorial Day, originally, known as Decoration Day, has been observed in the United States since the 1800’s. It is meant to honor those men and women who died while serving their country during time of war and the various battles that our nation has fought in around the globe. Today our county has a new battle. An unseen enemy has invaded our shores and taken hundreds of lives from both young and old.

The Marines, known as the first to fight, of the Dean W. Reiter Detachment of the Kingman Marine Corps League have chosen to honor not only our fallen military heroes this year but also those first responders who stand on the front line in this new battle that is affecting our nation. Medical staff, doctors, nurses, firefighters, law enforcement and EMS as well as countless civilians across the country step up each day to see that we are protected and supplied with the necessities of life.

On Monday, May 25th at 10AM a short memorial will be held at the Kingman Veterans Memorial Park at the intersection of Beale St and Andy Devine Ave. Due to the current emergency the City of Kingman Parks Department has asked that we all practice social distancing as best we can at this event. Unlike past years this event should last no more then 20 Min. There will be no chairs, or guest speakers. This event will be held in the circle of trees, out on the grass, this will allow people to spread out as needed. The Kingman Rotary will be handing out masks for those that feel they need a little extra protection.

We will be attempting to Live Steam the event on the Kingman Marine Corps League Face Book Page

Semper Fi

Terry Flanagan
Commandant MCL887
XO-Kingman Young Marines

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Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemeteries to commemorate Memorial Day virtually

Due to COVID-19, the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services will commemorate Memorial Day virtually this year. ADVS operates three Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemeteries (AVMCs) in Sierra Vista, Marana and Bellemont. Memorial Day events normally include group flag placements at gravesites and public ceremonies.

This year, ADVS will continue to respectfully honor veterans through a virtual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 25, 2020 at 9 a.m. The ceremony will stream on Facebook and YouTube. The ceremony will include traditional elements, such as the National Anthem, guest speakers, a moment of remembrance and more.

In addition to the virtual ceremony, cemetery staff will place a flag on each gravesite at the AVMCs prior to Memorial Day. Photos of the flag placement will be shared on each cemetery’s Facebook page.

While the administration building at the AVMCs are closed, cemetery operations are ongoing. As always, AVMCs are open for public visitation from dawn to dusk. Cemetery visitors are asked to adhere to physical distancing guidelines and consider visiting throughout the weekend to avoid large crowds on Memorial Day.

Here are links to where the virtual Memorial Day Ceremony will stream:
Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services YouTube
Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services Facebook
Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery at Marana Facebook
Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery at Camp Navajo Facebook
Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery Facebook