Rockwall/Heath Neighbors Go. In February 1942, Private First Class Paul Rogers mailed a letter from Luzon, in the Philippines, where he was serving as General Douglas MacArthur’s stenographer during World War II.

Lois Haskins Snyder of Royse City said that when the letter arrived at her family’s home – which, at that time, was in Independence, Missouri – the postman offered $50 for the envelope because “it was some of the last mail to get out from the Philippine Islands before the Japanese took them.”

That same letter, envelope and accompanying photos will be a part of Rest Haven Funeral Home and Memorial Park’s 36^th annual Memorial Day celebration. The free, community-wide celebration will honor those who have fought and died for freedom and respects to local veterans – past and present.

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Special Memorial Day services will be held today at two locations in Rockwall for the community to attend.

Beginning at 10 am, Rest Haven Memorial Park and Funeral Home will host its 35th annual Memorial Day program, featuring a traditional presentation of the colors, a guest speaker and music by a 32-voice community choir.

Guest speaker will be retired Chaplain and Colonel Lyle R. Metzler, who received numerous awards during his 33-year U.S. Army career, including  the Bronze Star and Purple Heart medals for his heroic actions.

Special music will be provided by the 32-voice “55+ Community Chorus,” organized specifically for Rest Haven’s program by Russ Porter and the Rockwall School of Music.

Leading the presentation of the flag will be the Civil Air Patrol – Lakeshore Composite Squadron, composed of local high school students with interest in serving the nation. American Legion Post #11 and the Tri-County Veterans Honor Guard will also participate. 

Flags will be available for families of veterans to place in the cemetery in honor of their loved ones.  Refreshments will be served following the ceremony. 

Rest Haven is located at 2500 State Hwy. 66 East, Rockwall, TX. For more information, call 972-771-8641.

The 34th annual Chandler’s Landing Yacht and Tennis Club program begins at Noon, featuring a traditional presentation of the colors, a fly-over by U.S. Navy jets, 21-gun salute, singing of the National Anthem, a laying of the colors on a wreath on Lake Ray Hubbard and taps.

U.S. Congressman Ralph Hall and Rockwall Mayor Bill Cecil, a retired U.S. Air Force pilot, are scheduled to speak.

Call 972-771-2051 for information.