Gaithersburg, MD - Loyalty and patriotism will be on full display as the City of Gaithersburg joins the nation in honoring all who have given their lives in military service at its Memorial Day Observance on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Christman Park. The public is invited to join the Mayor and City Council, Junior Mayor Milly Abdo, City staff and honored guests in a tribute to those of all generations who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Joining the May 30 observance is guest speaker retired Army Lt. Col. Larry D. Williams. Williams is a trial attorney, a member of the U.S. Supreme Court, Supreme Court of Virginia, and the Armed Forces Court of Appeals. He has been a guest lecturer at the FBI Academy, and has published articles in the “American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology.”

The patriotic ceremony will include words and music to commemorate the occasion, followed by a solemn wreath-laying ceremony. The Cadet Color Guard of Gaithersburg High School will present the colors, Chloe Jackson, Catholic University of America sophomore, will perform the national anthem, and “Taps” will be played by Merli Banner of the Gaithersburg High School Band. At the event, guests will be invited to fill out a card and provide a 4x6 photograph for a Book of Tribute, honoring friends and family members who serve.

Christman Park, named for Marine 2nd Lt. William J. Christman III, a Gaithersburg resident who was killed in Vietnam, is located at 304 West Deer Park Road in Gaithersburg. Groups or individuals interested in attending or participating in the Memorial Day Observance may contact Dorthy Winder at 301-258-6350 or e-mail [email protected]. For more information, visit the City’s website at www.gaithersburgmd.gov.

To support homeless veterans in Montgomery County, the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless (MCCH) provides safe, stable and affordable housing to an average of 75 homeless veterans each year. Donations, including food, toiletries and cleaning supplies, are being collected to assist veterans with their move. A complete list is available on the City’s website here. Donations can be dropped off during the Memorial Day Observance. Monetary donations are also being accepted. Please make checks payable to the Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless. Online donations can be made here. For more information, e-mail Lynn Rose at [email protected].

Flags for Our Heroes, featuring a giant display of American flags, returns to the lawn at Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm, Friday, May 26 through Monday, May 29. A formal opening ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 27 at 11 a.m. There will be a flag retirement ceremony on Sunday, May 28 at 6:30 p.m.

Flags are sponsored by individuals and organizations to honor their "heroes." Click here for sponsorship details. Flags for Our Heroes is organized by the Rotary Clubs of Gaithersburg, Montgomery Village, and Historic Emory Grove and is hosted by the City of Gaithersburg.