Pecan Grove Historical Cemetery
Memorial Day Celebration 2011

In Memoriam: Pecan Grove Cemetery visitors honor the 'supreme sacrifice'

Memorial Day may have just been the chance to enjoy a sunny three-day weekend for some, but for the 2,000-plus people who showed up for the annual service at Pecan Grove Cemetery, it was a solemn day of observance.

"Calvin Coolidge said that a nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten," said Collin County Judge Keith Self, a West Point graduate, Army Ranger and Green Beret who appeared in full military uniform for Monday's service. "We are here to remember those who paid that supreme sacrifice."

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Memorial Day, 2010
May 31, 2010

Memorial Day, 2010
May 25, 2009

Pecan Grove Historical Cemetery
Memorial Day Celebration 2008

On Memorial Day, 1984, local volunteers and members of McKinney’s local Boy Scout Troop 303 started a tradition of marking gravesites in the Pecan Grove Historical Cemetery with American Flags. This tradition grew over time with other local volunteer groups making their contribution towards a celebration for our Veterans.

Now the program is upon its 26th year and will include presentations by re-enactors, a flag ceremony, band concert, fly-over by a WWII Plane and presentations by local and state politicians. Attendance at the event has grown annually with over 1,000 people attending the 2009 event. Speakers in 2009 included Congressman Ralph Hall, Congressman Sam Johnson, Collin County Judge Keith Self and Mayor Brian Loughmiller.

In 2005, local Boy Scout Troop 303 began serving BBQ free of charge for those who attended the event. In 2009 over 650 lunches of smoked brisket, salads and fresh baked apple pies. This event has become a family tradition for many in McKinney.

The Memorial Day Celebration ceremonies are held on the grounds of Pecan Grove Historical Cemetery every year on Memorial Day.

“WHERE THE HISTORY OF MCKINNEY BEGINS”

In 2008, the Board of Trustees of Pecan Grove Memorial Park received a grant from the McKinney Community Development Corporation to build the new Settlers Hall located near the entrance of the Cemetery. This lovely building was originally built in 1870 but recreated in 2009 and will serve as a community meeting place, wedding chapel and elegant environment for memorials and funerals.

Pecan Grove Historical Cemetery
Groundbreaking
June 20, 2008