Photo by Flickr user davidyuweb
Civic Park
Corner of North Broadway and Civic Drive, Walnut Creek
Monday, May 27th, 2013
10:00am | FreeThe City of Walnut Creek will honor the memory of fallen service men and women, with a special focus on those lost during the Vietnam War, during its traditional Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 27. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. at the gazebo at Civic Park, corner of North Broadway and Civic Drive.
Brigadier General Barton J. Gilbert, U.S. Army (Retired) will be the keynote speaker. General Gilbert joined the Army the day after his 17th birthday, and retired with more than 40 years of Army and Reserve service. His military duties have taken him to Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Central America. He served as a Captain in combat assignments with the First Infantry Division in Vietnam during 1968 and 1969.
Between 2007 and 2011, General Gilbert was recalled to active duty each year to serve at the Pentagon as a member of the Army Chief of Staff Retiree Council.
His decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Air Medals, Meritorious Service Medals, Army Commendation Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.
Other highlights of the Memorial Day Ceremony include music by the Walnut Creek Concert Band under the direction of Harvey Benstein.
Chaplain Dwane Michael of John Muir/Mt. Diablo Health System will give the invocation and blessing, and the U.S. Navy Color Guard will present the colors and close the ceremony with the traditional laying of the wreath at the Veterans Memorial Plaza.
North Broadway between Civic Drive and Lincoln Avenue will be closed during the ceremony.