Memorial Day commemoration in Redwood City's Historic Union Cemetery

Not much changes about the ceremony each year, aside from who gives speeches or reads poems, but the consistency is intentional. 

There’s nothing to waver from when it comes to honoring our history, HUCA President Kathy Klebe said. Hosting the ceremony lets veterans know “we do care and we support them 100%,” she said. 

“I think it is very important to honor our fallen soldiers for now and for all the past fights that they’ve been in,” Klebe said. “I think it’s important to remember there are people out there that give their lives for our country all the time and doing this ceremony in the same location since 1889 is a very significant thing for our community.”

This year there is a slight addition that extends guests’ access to local historical associations that do the same work as HUCA. There will be organizations connecting residents to the work and history of cities throughout the Peninsula. 

The Burlingame Historical Society, Colma Historical Association, Daly City History Guild, Foster City Historical Society, Menlo Park Historical Association, San Mateo County Historical Association, San Mateo Heritage Alliance and the South San Francisco Historical Society are all slated to table at the event. 

James Howard, the veteran outreach specialist from Menlo Park Veterans Center will give a speech, and a reading of the poem “The Young Dead Soldiers Do Not Speak” will also be presented. The reader will recite the poem and share history of its origin and of European burial grounds, Klebe said. 

The Memorial Day commemoration is not described as a celebration, but simply a remembrance, Klebe said. 

“We’re not celebrating anything, as much as remembering,” Klebe said. “I think there’s a difference. A difference between having fun versus honoring the people that have given their lives for a lot.” 

The event will be punctuated with the iconic firing of the anvil which has become very popular over the years. The shooting of the anvil into the air is extremely loud, but is a unique way to honor how veterans once used it as a signal for attention. 

The Historic Union Cemetery was designated a California historical landmark in 1967 and was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. It is largely maintained by Klebe, her husband and other committed volunteers. HUCA board members help give tours throughout the year.

Visitors to the Historic Union Cemetery at 330 Woodside Road in Redwood City should be aware of limited parking available. Guests are encouraged to walk, bike, carpool or rideshare to the site.

The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. Monday, May 25. 

Other Memorial Day observations around the Peninsula include the 85th annual celebration at Golden Gate National Cemetery at 11 a.m. The address is 1300 Sneath Lane in San Bruno.

The town of HIllsborough will host a Memorial Day parade at its town hall at 10 a.m., with a wreath laying observance and memorial ceremony at 11 a.m., followed by a carnival with live music. 

Another wreath laying ceremony will be hosted by the city of San Mateo at Central Park Lawn at 10 a.m. Monday.