The tour takes place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. We will be walking through the historic Placerville Union Cemetery, located at 650 Bee Street, Placerville.

No printed tickets are required! Check-in for this program operates on a will-call basis. Simply provide the name under which you purchased the tickets to the attendant at the front gate, and they will orient you for the tour. Tickets can be purchased at edchs.org/events.

All net proceeds from this event are strictly dedicated to supporting efforts and projects that celebrate and memorialize fallen WWII Gold Star soldiers in Placerville Union Cemetery and across El Dorado County.

You will hear the personal narratives of eight featured hometown heroes—detailing not just their military service, but their hopes, passions, hobbies, aspirations, and loves. The tour will feature archival and family photographs to bring their stories to life. Family members of the fallen will also attend and help us remember their loved ones' sacrifices during WWII. Additionally, flags will be placed on all veteran memorials throughout the cemetery that morning in honor of Memorial Day.

Please wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for hilly, uneven terrain. We highly recommend bringing water, wearing sunscreen, and donning a hat. If you use a walking stick or a cane, please bring it along to help navigate the historic landscape.

This program is open to guests of all ages.

Because Placerville Union is a historic cemetery founded in the 19th century, the terrain is steep, hilly, and uneven, making it difficult for those with mobility concerns to access. However, our team will do everything within our power to assist those with mobility challenges.

Confirmed ticket holders will receive an e-receipt and a 'Know Before You Go' email with all essential event details roughly 1-week prior to the event.

The total walking distance will be less than a 1/4 mile. We will stop at specific markers to feature each soldier, with each stop lasting approximately 10 to 12 minutes.

Seating at each monument will be extremely limited. Out of respect, we ask that these seats be reserved strictly for those with the greatest physical need.

Parking is available along Bee Street and in front of the Placerville Union Cemterey.

A Gold Star Veteran is a U.S. military service member who made the ultimate sacrifice, losing their life while serving their country during a time of conflict.

Cindy and Joe are local volunteer researchers and the passionate guides for this tour. They are dedicated to unearthing the personal histories of our local veterans so their memories live on.

Stories Behind the Stars is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to research and write personal digital memorials for all 421,000+ U.S. service members who died in WWII. By digging through casualty records and family archives, volunteers like Cindy and Joe turn names on stone monuments into accessible, personal narratives shared through a global virtual database.

All ticket sales are final and no refunds will be issued. We deeply appreciate your contribution to support the celebration of El Dorado County’s Gold Star veterans.