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Memorial Day Honors Fallen U.S. Men and Women in Iraq

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Presidio of San Francisco (May 3, 2004) — The City’s traditional Memorial Day ceremony, which takes place on Monday, May 31, honors the men and women who have died in the Iraqi War as well as the thousands of Americans who have given their lives in the service of their country in past conflicts.

The day’s events, which include a traditional military flyover, begins at 10:30 a.m. in the Main Post Parade Ground of the Presidio with a parade up to the National Cemetery, where the Concord High School band plays until the 11 a.m. ceremony commences.

Last year, the traditional Memorial Day ceremony drew some 2,000 people, making it one of the largest events in the country. This year, in honor of the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C., the U.S. Postal Service will sell commemorate stamps with a special Presidio of San Francisco cancellation.

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 who are 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 p.m. 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.

Contact Us

Presidio Trust Media Relations

Lisa Petrie

(415) 264-7787

lpetrie@presidiotrust.gov