Honor, Remember, Never Forget

At Wine Country Marines, our mission is to commemorate and educate. We commemorate the service and sacrifice of America’s fallen heroes, and we educate future generations so the meaning of Memorial Day is never lost.

On Monday, May 25, 2026, Wine Country Marines is honored to join Dignity Memorial, Oak Hill Funeral Home and Memorial Park, veterans, military families, civic leaders, military units, community partners, and patriotic Americans for a Memorial Day ceremony at Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose. The event begins promptly at 11:00am as the flyover is tightly scheduled for a TOT time of 11:05. Everyone should be in their seats by 10:50am.

This year’s ceremony will include a special tribute to Vietnam Veterans, recognizing their service, sacrifice, and lasting place in our nation’s history.

The ceremony will be narrated by SSgt Antonino R. Cole, USMC, who will serve as Master of Ceremonies. The keynote address will be delivered by Colonel Jerome C. Greco, USMC, Commanding Officer of the 12th Marine Corps District. Read Colonel Greco's Bio here!

The program will include the posting of colors by U.S. Marines from Recruiting Station San Francisco, the National Anthem performed by Kimberly Icenhower, USAF Veteran, the Pledge of Allegiance led by MSgt Jack Stanley, California State Guard, a flyover by Captain Timothy Thomas of the 129th Air Rescue Wing in his H-60 aircraft, and a ceremonial rifle volley by the 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division. Taps will be performed by the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West.

The Air Force Band of the Golden West will also perform service branch melodies, giving veterans in attendance an opportunity to stand and be recognized when their branch’s song is played.

Community and government leaders will join us in honoring the fallen. Proclamations and commendations are expected from representatives of the United States Congress, the California State Senate, the County of Santa Clara, and the City of San Jose. We are also honored to welcome the Deputy Consul General of Japan, Mr. Takeshi Ishihara, along with representatives from the County of San Mateo, the City of Palo Alto, the City of Campbell, the City of Santa Clara, and the City of Morgan Hill.

Guests will also be able to experience historic military vehicles and a replica trench/bunker experience with actors in period uniforms, helping bring history to life and educate the public about the service and sacrifice of those who came before us.

The wreath ceremony will remain at the heart of the day. Wreaths will be placed in honor of Gold Star Mothers and Blue Star Moms, Medal of Honor recipients, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action, and those who served and sacrificed from the Civil War through the modern conflicts in the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq. We will also recognize veteran suicide awareness, unity and sacrifice, and the legacy of Decoration Day.

For 108 consecutive years, Memorial Day has been observed at Oak Hill Memorial Park. That legacy matters. It reminds us that remembrance is not a single act, but a duty passed from one generation to the next.

As music is played, wreaths are placed, the flag is raised, and silence is observed, we gather for one central purpose: to honor our fallen and missing comrades. Their courage gave us freedom. Their sacrifice demands remembrance. Their legacy calls us to live with gratitude, humility, and resolve.

Wine Country Marines extends our sincere thanks to Dignity Memorial, Oak Hill Funeral Home and Memorial Park, the Memorial Day Committee, our volunteers, military partners, public officials, and the countless patriots who make this day possible.

Freedom is not free. On Memorial Day, we remember all who paid its highest cost.