Presidio Memorial Day to Honor Fallen Iraqi War Veterans

Presidio of San Francisco (May 10, 2005) — The City’s traditional Memorial Day ceremony, which takes place on Monday, May 30 at 11 am, honors the 1,500 men and women who have died in the Iraqi War as well as the thousands of Americans who gave their lives during World War II, as this is the 60th anniversary of the end of that conflict.

The day’s events, which include a traditional military flyover, begins at 10 am in the Main Post Parade Ground of the Presidio with a parade up to the National Cemetery, where the Pleasanton Community Concert band plays until the ceremony commences. The formal service takes place at 11 am.

Last year, the traditional Memorial Day ceremony drew some 2,000 people, making it one of the largest events in the country. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II. A special tribute will be paid to those soldiers who fought in that war and to the more 10,000 soldiers who have been wounded in the present Iraqi conflict. The ceremony takes place at the National Cemetery.

The Presidio cemetery was officially designated a national site in the 1880s. More than 35,000 veterans and their dependents are buried here, dating as far back as 1846 following the war with Mexico. Moreover, there are more than 450 Buffalo Soldiers buried in the cemetery.

Following the ceremony, National Park Service rangers will lead walks through the cemetery, highlighting the final resting place for Medal of Honor recipients and other historic figures. The guided tour begins at 12:30 pm and takes about 30 minutes.

The free PresidiGo Shuttle will take visitors from the Lombard Gate to the Main Post and National Cemetery every 30 minutes.