Loyalty and patriotism will be on full display as the City of Gaithersburg joins the nation in honoring all who have given their lives in military service at its Memorial Day Observance on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Christman Park. The public is invited to join the Mayor & City Council, Junior Mayor Hemachandra Mulugu, City staff and honored guests in a tribute to those of all generations who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Joining the May 30 observance is guest speaker Capt. Jordan A. Sealey. Capt. Sealey enlisted in the Army Reserve in 2014 as a Horizontal Construction Engineer. He was assigned to the 689th Route Clearance Company, while simultaneously contracting with the Florida A&M Army ROTC Battalion. He graduated from Florida A&M University in 2019 and reported to Fort Knox to serve as an instructor for Cadet Command.
Capt. Sealey previously served in the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade at Fort Riley, Kansas, and later as the regimental current operations officer for the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), supporting major missions across the National Capital Region, including the 2024 NATO Summit and the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter. He has been selected to serve as the Commanding General’s aide‑de‑camp and will continue to serve for MDW/JTF‑NCR. Read Capt. Sealey’s full bio below.
The patriotic ceremony will include words and music to commemorate the occasion, followed by a solemn wreath-laying ceremony. Cub Scout Pack 464 will present the colors, Greta-Lee Dobie will perform the national anthem, and “Taps” will be played by Ben Bringhurst of the Gaithersburg High School Band. At the event, 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 West Deer Park Road in Gaithersburg. Groups or individuals interested in attending or participating in the Memorial Day Observance may contact Department of Parks, Recreation & Culture.
To end homelessness for Veterans in our community, Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless (MCCH) 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. You can donate items or financial help during the Memorial Day Observance. Move In Kit items from our 30X30 Challenge are listed here and 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 22 through Monday, May 25. A formal opening ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 23 at 11 a.m. There will be a flag retirement ceremony on Sunday, May 24 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 & Historic Emory Grove and is hosted by the City of Gaithersburg.