(Miami, Fl) - City of Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones and Miami Dade County Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz will hold a Memorial Day Service on Monday May 25, 2009 to honor local veterans and fallen heroes. The ceremony will take place at 7:00 p.m. at Lummus Landing located at 404 NW 3rd street (on the Miami River behind Lummus Park) in the City of Miami.

The Memorial Day service will conclude with a special candle lighting ceremony and a presentation by the United States Coast Guard on the Miami River. Participating in this ceremony is:  the City of Miami Police Department Honor Guard, the City of Miami Community Relations Board and representatives from the Miami VA Health Care System, the United States Army, the Miami River Commission and local Veterans.

To support local Veterans, the City Commission with Commissioner Spence-Jones’ leadership recently directed the City Manager to develop a taskforce to address Veteran’s issues: ranging from homelessness to securing jobs and reintegration into society for those who are returning from war.

“We can not forget about our veterans who have fought couragelessly for our country,” said Commissioner Spence-Jones “They deserve to receive as much support as possible when they come home.”

"As someone who served proudly in the Marines, I have seen firsthand the sacrifices our soldiers make every day," said Commissioner Diaz. "While we remember our fallen heroes on Memorial Day, it's important that we continue to care for the active duty soldiers and veterans now who are fighting for our freedom."

The Memorial Day Service which is hosted by both commissioners is free and open to the public, all Veterans and their families are encouraged to attend. For more information on the City of Miami Memorial Day service contact the Office of Commissioner Spence-Jones at (305) 250- 5390 or Ada Rojas at 786-251-4520.