A row of 80 5-feet-by-9-feet American flags, called The

Avenue of Flags, will set the stage for the ceremony at Tracy Public Cemetery.

Lt. David Eggers, who works at San Joaquin County Defense Distribution Depot, will

speak. Then seven American Legion members will fire three volleys with rifles,

and Tracy Community Band trumpeter Greg Wright will play taps.

Following the ceremony, American Legion will host a second,

shorter ceremony 45 minutes later at the Tracy War Memorial, 375 E 9th St. The

65 names of service men who have died in war will be read. A bell will be rung

after each name and someone will say, “No answer.”

“In a way, this is like we’re taking roll,” said John

Treantos, commander of American Legion.

About 200 people typically go to the ceremonies, and most are war

veterans and their families, Treantos said.

The first Memorial Day, known as Decoration Day, was in

1865 after the Civil War. People in a small town in New York decorated the

gravesites of those who died in the war.

Over the past century, the holiday has become a

kick-off to summer and, for many, a chance to jet out of town over a long weekend.

Treantos said when Americans take advantage of the day off,

it only emphasizes their freedom.

“Memorial Day has always meant a heck of a lot to me,” said Treantos,

who served in the U.S. Marine Corp. in the 1950s. “And whenever people have the

opportunity, they should remember that somebody had to pay a supreme price for

their rights.”

A reception will follow second ceremony at the American

Legion Hall, 1960 N. Tracy Blvd.

•We want to hear what you have to say. To reach Tracy Press

reporter Danielle MacMurchy, call 830-4221 or

e-mail danielle@tracypress.com.

At a glance

WHAT: Memorial Day ceremony

WHEN: 10 a.m.

WHERE: Tracy Public Cemetery. 600 W. Schulte Road

INFO: John Treantos, 832-8330