By Patric Hedlund

Frazier Park VFW Post 9791 will be hosting a special Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 30 to honor those who have served their country.

Commander Dave Gilman said the event will begin at 11 a.m. at the Cody Prosser Veterans Memorial in Frazier Mountain Park.

The first 60 people to step forward will be given a biodegradable helium ballon on which they can write a small memorial note, thought or prayer with the name of deceased service members they wish to remember. The balloons will be launched simultaneously, compliments of Chatterpiller’s Toys and Gifts, which is providing 100 percent biodegradable latex balloons.

Richard Sheffield, who founded Veterans for Trees, will be a guest speaker. Frankie Sanchez is helping to coordinate the event, Gilman said, adding that the popular Frazier Mountain High School Drumline will be invited to participate.

The balloons travel to an altitude of 5 miles, then shatter. They are made from rubber tree sap to biodegrade at the same rate as a maple leaf.

What: Public Memorial Day Remembrance

Where: Cody Prosser Veterans Memorial in Frazier Mountain Park

When: 11 a.m. Monday, May 30

This is part of the May 27, 2011 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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