Local Memorial Day weekend to include variety of patriotic events

A woman places a rose at a memorial to remember Green Berets who have lost their lives at a remembrance ceremony at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City on Sunday, May 26, 2013. The ceremony was being held by Nevada's 51st Chapter of the Special Forces Association, who holds the Memorial Day weekend event annually. Hundreds of members of local motorcycle clubs joined the members in remembrance to those who gave their lives in service of their country. (Jessica Ebelhar/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Nevadans who died while serving in the armed forces will be honored at a variety of events in Southern Nevada over the weekend.

Memorial Day events include:

■ Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman and Rep. Dina Titus, D-Nev., are among the speakers expected for Palm Downtown Mortuary and Cemetery’s 49th annual Memorial Day service Monday.

An honor guard ceremony will be presented, and musical performances will follow.

The cemetery, in conjunction with American Legion Post 8, hosts this yearly event where “visitors are invited to honor the men and women who have lost their lives defending the United States.”

The free event begins at 9 a.m. at 1325 N. Main St.

■ Palm Northwest Mortuary and Cemetery, 6701 N. Jones Blvd., will host a ceremony Monday with two speakers, Las Vegas Councilman Steve Ross and retired U.S. Marine Col. Tom Czech.

The event will be held at 2 p.m.

■ Palm Boulder Highway Mortuary, 800 S. Boulder Highway, in Henderson, will host a ceremony at 11 a.m. Monday.

■ On Saturday, two unsuspecting veterans will drive away in 2014 cars from Findlay Chevrolet.

“This is our way of showing the appreciation that we have — putting a smile on their (veterans’) faces,” Eunice Marcelino of Findlay Auto said.

Rep. Joe Heck, R-Nev., will present two congressional awards. The event will include a Medal of Honor display and free refreshments.

The event is scheduled to start at noon at Findlay Chevrolet, 6800 S. Torrey Pines Drive.

■ Also on Saturday, volunteers will place American flags in front of veterans’ graves in preparation for a 1 p.m. ceremony at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery chapel in Boulder City. Volunteers are being sought for the 7 a.m. event. For information call 702-486-5920.