A Day to Remember in Benicia

For most of us, Memorial Day 2012 Benicia marks the beginning of a season of summer fun. But don’t let the real meaning of the holiday get lost amidst the barbecues and beach sand. Memorial Day – originally called “Decoration Day” – unofficially began in 1865 as a way to honor fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. In fact, because of lingering resentment over the war, many Southern states did not observe the holiday until after World War I (they opted for their own Confederate Memorial Day). Memorial Day has since became an occasion to honor fallen soldiers from all wars after WWI. You can find a listing of all those from Benicia who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Honor them with the traditions of this special holiday:

-Fly the flag at half-staff from dawn until noon, local time.

-Participate in a national “moment of remembrance,” which occurs at 3PM, Washington DC time.

-Place flags on the graves of war dead.

-Visit or volunteer at your local Benicia VA hospital [find your closest one here]; you might also want to investigate VA Voluntary Service, which organizes volunteers to help care for wounded vets. www.volunteer.va.gov

-Support your local Benicia area VFW – and remember, thank a veteran when you’re there!
[Find your local VFW here]

-Donate your old cellphones to help our military stay in touch with loved ones at home. www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com
Alternately, you can donate calling cards for service members at Operation Uplink. www.operationuplink.org

-Let those who are currently serving know they’re appreciated; Operation USO Care Package lets you sponsor a gift box containing needed and requested items for a service member overseas.
www.uso.org/donate/custom.aspx?id=565&

Find Benicia area Memorial Day Events, Memorial Day Parades, Activities and more.

Click here to pay honor to a friend or loved one in town who has served our country

Benicia Area Casualties of War ...

(Please send additions or corrections for the lists below for Benicia to info@americantowns.com)

Vietnam War
Angelo Albert Lonzo
Jerry Owen Emerine
Loy Wendell Pierce

World War II
Click here for a database of more local California soldiers killed in World War II

Below you can pay honor to a friend or loved one in town who has served our country and share that on Facebook: