Gaithersburg Marks Memorial Day 2025 With Flag Display, Wreaths

GAITHERSBURG, MD — The City of Gaithersburg will honor those who have given their lives in military service at its annual Memorial Day observance at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 30, at Christman Park.

Joining city leaders at the May 30 observance will be guest speaker Retired Col. Judson E. Stailey of the U.S. Air Force. Stailey grew up in central Ohio and attended the Ohio State University, from which he earned a degree in civil engineering and a commission in the Air Force. His initial Air Force assignment was to the University of Texas, where he studied meteorology. His many assignments included commanding three weather units, including the Air Force’s climatology center.

After retiring from the Air Force, Stailey worked as a senior program manager supporting programs at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and Langley Research Center. He finished his career at NOAA as chief scientist in the office that coordinates meteorological activities among agencies of the federal government.

The ceremony will include speeches and music, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony. The Cadet Color Guard of Gaithersburg High School will present the colors; Timo Silberman, American University junior, will perform the national anthem; and “Taps” will be played by Ronald Martinez of the Gaithersburg High School Band.

Guests will be invited to fill out a card and provide a 4x6 photograph for a Book of Tribute, honoring friends and family members who serve.

Christman Park, named for Marine 2nd Lt. William J. Christman III, a Gaithersburg resident who was killed in Vietnam, is located at 304 W. Deer Park Road in Gaithersburg.

Groups or individuals interested in attending or participating in the Memorial Day observance may contact Dorthy Winder at 301-258-6350 or email Dorthy.Winder@gaithersburgmd.gov. For more information, visit the City’s website at www.gaithersburgMD.gov.

To end homelessness for Veterans in our community, Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless provides specialized Safe Haven shelters and operates a supportive housing program. Serving more than 75 veterans a year, they rely on community help to ensure veterans have everything needed to move from shelter into a home.

Donations, including food, toiletries and cleaning supplies, are being collected at the Memorial Day ceremony to assist veterans with their move. Online donations can be made here. For more information, email Tali Malcolm at volunteer@mcch.net.

Flags for Our Heroes, featuring a giant display of American flags, returns to the lawn at Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm, Friday, May 23, through noon on Monday, May 26. A formal opening ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 24, at 11 a.m. There will be a flag retirement ceremony on Sunday, May 25, at 6:30 p.m.

Flags are sponsored by individuals and organizations to honor their "heroes." Click here for sponsorship details. Flags for Our Heroes is organized by the Rotary Clubs of Gaithersburg and Historic Emory Grove and is hosted by the City of Gaithersburg.