Memorial Day Ceremony

Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings, and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.

We always appreciate volunteers to aid in planning, set up, and clean up. Please contact jess@daviscemetery.org if you would like to help.

 

 

 

 

This year’s Memorial Day Program is brought to you by the Davis Cemetery District and the Davis Odd Fellows. The Golden State Brass will perform a musical prelude at 9:30 am with the formal program beginning at 10:00 am. Musical performances by Carley Neill-Vann, the Davis Local Vocals and the Davis Children’s Choir.

2026 Event Details: 

Monday, May 25th

9:30 am Musical prelude by the Golden State Brass

10:00 am Formal program begins

State Senator Christopher Cabaldon will be joining us and speaking after Supervisor Allen.

Keynote Speaker: Paul “Doc” Rowe, Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class, United States Navy

Speaker Bio: Paul “Doc” Rowe, Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class, from Woodland joined the Navy in 1990 and served in the first Gulf War, as a Navy Corpsman with the United States Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged in 1995 and returned home to Woodland.

While raising four sons with his wife Deb, Paul worked as an ER nurse and then fifteen years as a Special Investigator with the State of California Division of Investigation. His job was investigating California licensed nurses for complaints/ abuses of elder, physical, sexual, financial abuse and narcotic abuses. During this time, he continued to work part time as an ER nurse.

Six years ago, Paul began working as a Hospice Nurse with the important focus of the veteran population and their end of life special and unique needs. He been a member of the American Legion, Post 77 and the Marine Corps League for more than fifteen years.

Full 2026 Program

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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PRIOR YEAR EVENTS

2025 Event Details: 

Monday, May 26th

9:30 am Musical prelude by the Golden State Brass

10:00 am Formal program begins

Keynote Speaker

Artemis Riley

Artemis Riley is a U.S. Army Veteran and one of the groundskeepers here at the Davis Cemetery. Artemis served in the Ordinance Corp, working as a small arms and weapons systems technician, and was primarily stationed in Germany, where they took place in several NATO training exercises and deployments. In 2007 Artemis was given an honorable medical discharge, joining in the long line of military veterans in their family. These days Artemis finds purpose in caring for the cemetery grounds, making sure the grounds are treated with the respect it and those resting there deserve.

Full Program