El Paso County proclaims May 26 Memorial Day; Pikes Peak National Cemetery leaders urge remembrance and family support

The El Paso County Board of County Commissioners on May 20 voted 4-0 to adopt a proclamation designating May 26, 2025, as Memorial Day in El Paso County.

The proclamation, introduced by Vice Chair Holly Williams during the board's regular meeting, traces Decoration Day’s origins to 1868 and notes Congress’ 1971 act establishing the federal holiday. The board debated no amendments and approved the proclamation by roll call.

The proclamation was followed by brief remarks from Pikes Peak National Cemetery staff. Skyler Holmes, cemetery director, said Memorial Day “is a day that we get to celebrate all of those who have fought and lost their lives for our freedom” and described the cemetery’s role in staging ceremonies. Andrew Santapinter, assistant director, thanked the board for the proclamation and for community engagement around ceremonies.

Joe Lewis of Angels of America’s Fallen, a nonprofit that supports children and spouses of fallen service members, told commissioners the holiday is “a clash of emotions between honoring and mourning” and urged continued community support for surviving family members.

Commissioners Cammie Bremer, Corey Applegate and Holly Williams each commented on the meaning of Memorial Day for families, veterans and the community. Bremer said she hoped her 10-year-old son would understand the holiday’s gravity; Williams, noting she is a military spouse, emphasized the ongoing need to support families who live with loss.

The proclamation was read into the record, attested by County Clerk and Recorder Steve Schleicher, and then adopted by a 4-0 voice/roll-call vote. The board recessed briefly for a photograph after the vote.

The board did not direct staff to take additional action on the proclamation during the meeting.