Memorial Day rolls around each year on the last Monday in May, and in Elk Grove, California, this is not just another day off. It is a day for remembering, honoring, and coming together as a community to salute those who gave everything for our country. If you are wondering how Elk Grove marks this important day, or why Memorial Day matters, you are in the right place.
What Is Memorial Day, Anyway?
Memorial Day is a federal holiday with deep roots. It began after the Civil War, when people started decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. In 1868, General John A. Logan officially proclaimed May 30 as a day to honor those who died in America’s wars. Over time, Memorial Day grew to honor all military members who lost their lives serving the United States. In 1971, Congress set the holiday for the last Monday in May, giving us the long weekend we know today.
But Memorial Day is more than just barbecues and sales. It is a time to pause, reflect, and show gratitude to those who never came home.
Elk Grove’s Memorial Day: More Than Just a Day Off
Elk Grove takes Memorial Day seriously, and the city’s events are a blend of tradition, respect, and community spirit. Here is what you can expect this year.
Memorial Day Service & Walk for Veterans
Date: Monday, May 26, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Elk Grove Historic Cemetery
The city’s main event starts at the Elk Grove Historic Cemetery. This is not just a ceremony – it is a heartfelt tribute. Local leaders, veterans, and residents gather to honor those who gave their lives in service. Expect moving speeches, the sound of taps, and the sight of American flags waving in the breeze. After the ceremony, the community joins in a Walk for Veterans, ending at the Elk Grove Historical Society parking lot. This walk is a simple but powerful way to show support for veterans and their families.
More Ways to Celebrate and Remember
Elk Grove’s Memorial Day weekend is packed with activities for everyone. From classic car shows to family festivals, the city buzzes with energy. If you are looking for something lively, check out the Thunderbolts Hot Rodding 80 Years Anniversary Car Show or the International Kids Festival. These events add a bit of fun to the weekend, but the heart of Memorial Day remains the ceremonies and moments of remembrance.
Honoring Elk Grove’s Heroes
Memorial Day is about people – real men and women who wore the uniform and made the ultimate sacrifice.
Remembering Officer Tyler Lenehan
Elk Grove honors not just military heroes but also those who served the community in other ways. Officer Tyler Lenehan, who was killed in the line of duty in 2022, holds a special place in Elk Grove’s heart. The city renamed its public safety headquarters the Lenehan Public Safety Center and created displays and a mural in his memory. Even a stretch of Highway 99 now bears his name, reminding everyone who passes by of his service and sacrifice.
Elk Grove Veterans Memorial Hall
The Elk Grove Veterans Memorial Hall is more than just a building. It is a gathering place for the city’s estimated 9,000 veterans. Here, veterans find fellowship, support, and a sense of belonging. The hall also hosts programs by the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Marine Corps League. Outside, the Veterans Grove is a peaceful spot with flagpoles for each branch of service, picnic tables, and BBQ grills. It is a place for reflection, stories, and maybe even a shared laugh or two.
Honoring the Fallen
Every year, Elk Grove’s police department and community remember fallen officers and service members. Their names and stories are kept alive through ceremonies, memorials, and community projects. Whether it is a special patch worn by officers, a dedicated stretch of highway, or a donated motorcycle on display, Elk Grove makes sure its heroes are never forgotten.
Why Memorial Day Matters in Elk Grove
In Elk Grove, Memorial Day is a reminder that freedom is not free. The city’s events are not just for veterans or their families – they are for everyone. Attending a ceremony, joining the walk, or simply pausing for a moment of silence connects residents to a larger story of sacrifice and gratitude.
This is a city that remembers. Whether you are new to Elk Grove or have lived here your whole life, Memorial Day is your chance to be part of something meaningful. Bring your kids, your neighbors, or just yourself, and join in honoring the heroes who made Elk Grove, and America, what it is today.
So, set your alarm, grab your flag, and come out to the Elk Grove Historic Cemetery on May 26. Because in Elk Grove, Memorial Day is more than a date on the calendar – it is a day to say thank you, together.
Sources: cem.va.gov, elkgrove.gov
Header Image Source: Robin Jonathan Deutsch on Unsplash
