Memorial Day Service Includes Honored Speakers, Surprises

Fair Oaks Cemetery District Manager Ray Young predicts he's going to have a busier-than-usual Memorial Day weekend.

"If you can find a spot on the other side of the street (that's a good idea), and there will be carts running around during the service," Young said.

Young expects as many as 500 attendees for the Saturday service, which will include honored speakers, Brig. Gen. Robert Hipwell, Congressman Tom McClintock as well as Sacramento County District representatives Roberta MacGlashan and Susan Peters.

The program of events will include services for Fair Oaks veterans, including Pfc. Charlie Williams, United States Army, 97th MPBT. Williams died in Kandahar, Afghanistan on active duty Feb. 7, 2010 while serving on his commander's personal security squad.

Among other local fallen soldiers being honored this weekend, one has been there nearly as long as Fair Oaks has been a town.

John T. Obenshain served in the 28th Virginia infantry during the Civil War and lived to the tale. Obenshain, born May 25, 1846, moved to Fair Oaks sometime after the Civil War ended, settling with his wife, before passing in June, 1934.

Young said he took up the responsibility to update the Obenshains' burial site when he started working for the Fair Oaks Cemetery District, updating the tomb stone and clearing much of the ground around it that had become overgrown.

"His granddaughter is usually the one who comes out," Young said.

When the granddaughter caught wind of what Young had done for her grandparents' sites, he said, "She came in and burst through the door and said, 'Ray, you did it!' and gave me a great big hug."

"It was awesome," he said.

Young said the Memorial Day service will include a number of events such as musical selections from Fair Oaks' American Veterans' Band, bag pipers and a number of surprises this publication swore to secrecy. Services are set to begin at 10 a.m.