In 1995, a group of Vietnam Veterans along with the cooperation of the City of Roswell, raised money to construct a Memorial. The “Roswell “Remembers” Memorial Day Ceremony was established in 1998 after the completion of the “Faces of War” Memorial. The desire was to create an annual non-political, non-commercial ceremony incorporating the Holiday, Families, and Community into one “great day of remembrance” honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today.

A joint effort between Roswell Rotary Club and the City of Roswell, this year the 23^rd annual event will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 30th at Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street. This is the largest Memorial Day Ceremony of its kind in the Southeast and attracts visitors throughout Georgia and the Southeast.

The grounds open at 10:00 a.m. with displays for the public. Pre -ceremony music provided by Roswell New Horizons Band begins at 10:15 a.m. The program will include a military ceremony, presentation of colors, the national anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, POW/MIA tribute and the laying of the wreath.

New this year is Roswell Garden Club’s dedication of the Blue Star&Gold Star Families Memorial Markers. The Blue Star Marker is a tribute to all those who have served, are serving and will serve in the United States Armed Services. The Gold Star Families Marker is a tribute to those who have lost a loved one in service to the United States. Blue Star & Gold Star markers are a program of the National Garden Club.

Past DG Al Lipphardt VFW Gold Legacy Member and a member of the Rotary Club of Stone Mountain is the Blue Star Speaker.

Massee McKinley will provide special music followed by a 21-gun salute and taps by Jon Andersen.

At the conclusion of the program, lunch may be purchased through food trucks on the grounds.

This is a great opportunity for all Rotarians to serve those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today.

Roswell Rotary hopes to see you there.