BRAD HORN/Nevada Appeal File Photo Scenes like this one will be a part of this weekend's upcoming events to celebrate Memorial Day. Col. Roger Peard of Meyers, Calif., is shown acknowledging the crowd at the 2007 Virginia City Memorial Day parade.
From C Street in Virginia City to Lone Mountain Cemetery in Carson City, heroes and fallen solders will be honored at events this weekend.
The annual Memorial Day ceremony honoring those who have died in past wars will be held at Lone Mountain Cemetery and Stewart Indian Cemetery, presented by the Marine Corps League Silver State Detachment No. 630,
"There are quite a few military (buried) at Stewart Indian Cemetery - from every branch, and a whole bunch at Lone Mountain Cemetery," said Marine Corps League chaplain Don Podlas, who was a private in the U.S. Marine Corps in the early 1950s and spent some time in Korea, and has been a member of the league for more than 20 years.
Podlas said the young men and women of Carson High School's JROTC program have participated in the ceremony for a number of years. They will be serving as the colorguard, providing a bugler and firing rifles for the Memorial Day salute.
"I enjoy doing this and it's something we always have to remember," Podlas said.
The public is welcome to join Disabled American Veterans Carson City Chapter 7 at 4 p.m. Friday to place as many as 1,200 flags at Lone Mountain Cemetery on the graves of those who gave their lives while serving in the military.
"It takes close to two hours to place them," said Wayne Wilson with the chapter. Wilson served 43 years and four months in the U.S. Army, from 1956-1999. He ended his service as a sergeant major.
"Last year we had 35 to 40 people help us out, even some of the seniors who live across the street (from the cemetery) at the apartment complex. ... It's an inspiring thing if they come out to help us."
Wilson said they also will need assistance removing the flags at 4 p.m. Monday.
The Carson Nugget is honoring fallen soldiers at an invitation-only event Sunday. It features guest speaker Noreen Leary, executive director of the Guest House in Reno, as well as the Carson High School JROTC Color Guard, with the Vietnam Veterans groups of Reno and Carson City, and the Military Officers Association of America, said Steve Fierro, director of marketing with the Carson Nugget.
"It's our way to give back to the military personnel and the community."
Other events include steam train rides at the Nevada State Railroad Museum - military personnel ride for free, and a Celebration of Heroes parade at noon on C Street in Virginia City. Late entries are welcome.
Reporter Rhonda Costa-Landers can be reached at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.
Selected things to do around Carson-Tahoe on Memorial Day weekend
Carson City Wild West Ghost Walk, Saturday -- tours of old haunts frequented by some of Carson City's famous, long-deceased residents. 687-7410 for information.
Somerset Auctions event
10 a.m., Monday
Gold and silver jewelry, crystal, bone china, oil paintings, furnishings and lamps.
North Tahoe Conference Center, 8318 N. Lake Blvd., Kings Beach, CA (530) 546-7249.
Dayton community barbecue
12-4 p.m. Monday
Memorial Day Community BBQ, noon to 4 p.m. Monday at Terribles Casino Dayton, 755 Highway 50 East. Outside event with live music by Atomika. Call 246-9696.
Parade in Virginia City
12 p.m. Saturday
Celebration of Heroes Parade, 12 p.m., Saturday, Virginia City, C Street - Parade honors those who gave for their country. Angus Kittle, a decorated Vietnam vet is the grand marshal; many veterans groups, horse groups and other entries. Last minute entries are welcome; lineup is at the Fourth Ward School at 11 a.m. Call 847-4768.