With the official observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, the 2026 Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony will be hosted this weekend. The event will be staged at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery on Sunday, May 24 starting at 9 a.m.

All are welcome to attend the ceremony and the cemetery is at 32052 West McCabe Road in Santa Nella.

Keynote speaker is scheduled to be Michele Kwok, Executive Director, National Cemetery Administration Pacific District; with guest speaker Assembly Member Esmeralda Soria and special music by the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West.

Located in Merced County, the 320-plus acre site became the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery after being donated by the Romero Ranch Company in 1989. It provides the final resting place for more than 50,000 Veterans and eligible dependents.

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance to honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in military service to our country.