As communities throughout El Dorado County gather for Memorial Day ceremonies, family barbecues and moments of quiet reflection, local leaders are encouraging residents to remember the true meaning of the national holiday: honoring the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who died in service to their country.
Memorial Day remains one of the nation’s most solemn observances, recognizing the sacrifice of military personnel whose lives were lost defending American freedoms. From small-town memorial ceremonies to flags placed at veterans’ gravesites, communities across the region are expected to participate in tributes throughout the weekend.
In a prepared public statement recognizing Memorial Day 2026, officials emphasized the importance of remembrance, unity and support for Gold Star families and veterans.
“Memorial Day is more than the unofficial start of summer. It is a sacred day of remembrance for the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. We honor their courage, their dedication and the families who continue to carry their memory forward. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
The statement also encouraged residents to take time during the holiday weekend to reflect on the cost of freedom and to participate in local memorial events honoring fallen service members.
Across El Dorado County, veterans organizations, civic groups and local communities traditionally hold ceremonies featuring flag presentations, moments of silence and tributes to those who served in conflicts spanning generations. Memorial Day observances often draw families, veterans and community leaders together in shared remembrance.
Public officials also reminded residents that while Memorial Day is rooted in grief and sacrifice, it also represents resilience and national unity.
“We stand together in gratitude for those who gave everything for this country. Their legacy lives on in the freedoms we cherish every day.”
Residents traveling during the holiday weekend are also encouraged to celebrate responsibly, remain mindful of increased roadway traffic and support veterans and military families within their communities.
Memorial Day 2026 will be observed nationwide on Monday, May 25.
Modern Conflicts (War on Terror)
- Staff Sergeant Sky R. Mote (U.S. Marine Corps): Raised in El Dorado Hills and a graduate of Union Mine High School. He was on his third tour of duty when he was killed in action on August 10, 2012, in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross—the nation’s second-highest military decoration—for his extraordinary heroism when he absorbed enemy fire to protect his fellow Marines and a local clinic.
The Vietnam War
- Sergeant Donald Ray Smith (U.S. Army): A Placerville resident born in 1948. He was killed by an explosive device during hostile action in the Binh Duong province of South Vietnam on June 9, 1969.
- Lance Aaron DeRoo (U.S. Marine Corps): Killed in action while serving in Vietnam.
- Glen Otis Ervin (U.S. Army): Killed in action during the war.
- Michael William Carey (U.S. Navy): Lost his life while deployed in the Vietnam theater.
- Thomas Joel Davis (U.S. Army): Died during his military service in an accident.
Veterans in Local Line-of-Duty Service
- Deputy Austin Ramsey (El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office): A proud military veteran who transitioned into local law enforcement. He is honored on a local cenotaph alongside other local heroes at the Placerville Veterans Memorial Building.
- Deputy Brian David Ishmael (El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office): A four-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office (and former Placerville Police Officer) who was ambushed and killed in the line of duty on October 23, 2019.
