Historic Union Cemetery announces annual Memorial Day Ceremony

The public is invited to the 2022 Memorial Day ceremony at Historic Union Cemetery Monday, May 30 at 9 a.m. Michael Bowers, Trustee of Historic Union Cemetery serves as our master of ceremonies. A Garrison Flag from the Kern County Fire Department will provide a backdrop for the ceremony and we have several guest speakers, including Brigadier General Sandifer Jr. of the Buffalo Soldiers, our keynote speaker hails from Edwards AFB: Lt. Col. Christopher “SIN” Campbell, F-35 ITF Director and 461 FLTS Commander.

The U.S. Naval Sea Cadets and Sons of the American Revolution will perform the presentation of colors, Associated veterans of Kern County will fire a rifle salute, the veterans Family Band and the West High School Band will provide music selections. We will also be joined by Lt. Augustin Moreno of the Kern County Sheriff’s Department singing the National Anthem. Prayers will be led by Pastor Josephate Jordan.

On the sacred grounds of Historic Union Cemetery lie early pioneers, city founders, veterans of wars, including the Civil War and the man for which our city is named. Since its opening in 1872, Historic Union Cemetery is more than a memorial park, it is like a storybook of the American West. Thousands of families have forever merged their own histories with the heritage of this remarkable place.