Members of the Boy Scouts of America unravel the flags at the 37th Annual Memorial Day commemoration at Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA on May 29th, 2023. (Photo by Gil Castro-Petres)
Women with the Historical Unit of Southern California dress as WWII-era military, as they place flags on graves at Los Angeles National Cemetery for Memorial Day weekend on
Saturday, May 27, 2023. Michaela Negrete, from left, Carli Holland and Shelby Anderson carry flags. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Daniel Bermudez, of Yorba Linda, founder of the Historical Unit of Southern California, dresses as a Doughboy from WWI, as he places flags at Los Angeles National Cemetery for Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, May 27, 2023. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Marine Lance Cpl. Cody Roberts, a member of the Historical Unit of Southern California, places flags at the Los Angeles National Cemetery in WWII-era clothing, for Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, May 27, 2023. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
On Memorial Day 2023, familiar events put on hold or forced online by the coronavirus pandemic returned for the first time in three years, while entirely new ceremonies were launched as well, all to honor military men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their nation.
The first public event for Memorial Day at the Los Angeles National Cemetery since 2019 was held, with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass among the scheduled speakers.
Bass recognized the service of fallen military members and discussed how the public can do more to serve veterans in need on a morning that also featured remarks by Maj. Gen. Evan Dertian, the commander of the Air Force Test Center at Edwards Air Force Base, music by the 300th Army Band and displays by Buffalo Soldier and Civil War reenactors.
More than 200 people gathered on Sunday as Long Beach debuted its “Sunset Ceremony – Honoring Our Heroes” event, the first major activity to be organized by the city’s Office of Veterans Support, which was established on Oct. 1, 2022.
The Color Guard from Lakewoof High’s Navy Junior Reserve Training Corps appears on Sunday, May 28 at the “Sunset Ceremony – Honoring Our Heroes,” event, the first major activity to be organized by the city’s Office of Veterans Support, which was established on Oct. 1, 2022. Photo: Rich Archbold
Historic aircraft fly overhead on Sunday, May 28 at the “Sunset Ceremony – Honoring Our Heroes,” event, the first major activity to be organized by the city’s Office of Veterans Support, which was established on Oct. 1, 2022. Photo: Rich Archbold
Keynote speaker Sgt. Major Charles Cook Jr. speaks with Rep. Robert Garcia on Sunday, May 28 at the “Sunset Ceremony – Honoring Our Heroes,” event, the first major activity to be organized by the city’s Office of Veterans Support, which was established on Oct. 1, 2022. Photo: Rich Archbold
The event was held at the Long Beach Navy Memorial in Shoreline Aquatic Park, 200 Aquarium Way, a site that commemorates the 90-year history of the Navy in Long Beach and features the Navysphere, a 15-foot sculpture of a sphere by local artist Terry Braunstein who also spoke on remembering those who gave their lives for the United States.
Excitement, tinged with bittersweet emotion, were part of the experience for parade-goers and participants at the 31st Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade, which returned to Sherman Way for the first time in three years.
Memorial Day is dedicated tor honoring and remembering the men and women who died during active service in the United States Armed Forces and deceased veterans who served at any time abroad or at home.
WWII Veteran Barney Leone is honored during the 31st Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade Monday May 29, 2023.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
“Stitch” the dog dons patriotic attire for the 31st Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade Monday May 29, 2023.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Spectators line Sherman Way for the 31st Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade Monday May 29, 2023.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Veterans Bill Bird, Leon Martinez and Joe Weber (l-r) are honored during the 31st Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade Monday May 29, 2023.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
WWII Veteran Ethel Margolin is honored during the 31st Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade Monday May 29, 2023.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Members of the Canoga Park West Valley Car and Bike Club ride in the 31st Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade Monday May 29, 2023.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Ethan Nessel attends the 31st Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade Monday May 29, 2023.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
A driver with the Canoga Park West Valley Car and Bike Club performs for onlookers during the 31st Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade Monday May 29, 2023.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Musicians with Charros De Rancho Las Palomas perform during the 31st Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade Monday May 29, 2023.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
Spectators line Sherman Way for the 31st Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade Monday May 29, 2023.(Photo by Andy Holzman, Contributing Photographer)
This year’s parade, with the theme “Saluting the Price of Freedom,” included Sun Valley’s North Valley Military Institute Color Guard, bands from Canoga Park and Taft Charter high schools, Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, Boys and Girls Club of the West Valley and the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3 based in Port Hueneme.
Special elder guest veterans riding in the parade included:
Ethel Margolin, 101, United States Army WAC, WWII 8th AF ATC 1944;
Barney Leone, 97, United States Navy, WWII Iwo Jima, Okinawa, China and Philippines;
Joe Weber, 94, United States Navy 1944-46, AMM 3C, FE PBM; NAS Corpus Christi, San Diego
Bill Bird, 92, United States Army, 6th Army, Special Services, 1952-1954 and
Leon Martinez, 91, United States Air Force, 18th Supply Squadron, Far East, 1952-1954, Okinawa, Japan and Taiwan.
Elected officials who joined in the parade included Los Angeles City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore, Los Angeles Unified School District Board Member Scott Schmerelson and Congressman Brad Sherman.
A flyover was staged by the 146th Airlift Wing – C-130J, a unit of the California Air National Guard, stationed in Oxnard, and an appearance by members of the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Three, better known as the Seabees, the specialized military construction unit created during World War II to support military operations. The unit has built airfields, schools and hospitals and repaired infrastructure.
“The Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade reminds us how important it is to come together as a community and show respect for those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom,” said Miri Rossitto, founder and CEO of Cowe Communications. “It’s a powerful event that brings neighbors closer, honors our fallen heroes, and underscores that freedom has a price — one that should always be remembered.”
The ceremony included a wreath laying at the Wall of Honor in memory of U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Arthur “Skip” Bedal, a navigator aboard a B-26B Invader bomber killed with the other two crewman when it slammed into a mountain during a support mission for South Vietnamese troops against the Viet Cong on Aug. 16, 1963.
The crash occurred in the guerrilla-infested jungle of Quang Ngai province in central Vietnam, near the South China Sea. The crash was later attributed to mechanical failure.
Bedal’s daughter Sheryl-Jo Bedal was the parade’s Vietnam War honoree. She was 20 months old when her father was killed.
In Simi Valley, the Reagan Library’s ceremonies included the Los Angeles County Sheriff Band, a flyover by the Tiger Squadron and remarks from members of Gold Star families and other military dignitaries.
The 50th Fiesta Days Parade in La Cañada Flintridge stepped out starting at Cornishon Avenue and then along Foothill Boulevard to Gould Avenue. The theme was “Golden Jubilee.” L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, whose district includes La Cañada Flintridge, was among the parade’s participants.
“As we enjoy the long weekend, I encourage everyone to take a moment to remember our fallen heroes, as well as those burdened with the loss of carrying on without their loved ones,” Barger said. “We can also honor the lives of those who did not make it home by fulfilling our commitment to serve the veterans in our community. Every day, we must renew our promise to serve those who have served.”
The CJ-6A-Tiger Squadron performs a flyby at the 37th Annual Memorial Day commemoration at Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA on May 29th, 2023. (Photo by Gil Castro-Petres)
Local singer Laura Savitz performs the national anthem at the 37th Annual Memorial Day commemoration at Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA on May 29th, 2023. (Photo by Gil Castro-Petres)
The CJ-6A-Tiger Squadron performs a flyby at the 37th Annual Memorial Day commemoration at Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA on May 29th, 2023. (Photo by Gil Castro-Petres)
The CJ-6A-Tiger Squadron performs a flyby at the 37th Annual Memorial Day commemoration at Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA on May 29th, 2023. (Photo by Gil Castro-Petres)
Former and active members of the US Military stand up to be recognized at the 37th Annual Memorial Day commemoration at Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA on May 29th, 2023. (Photo by Gil Castro-Petres)
Former and active members of the US Military stand up to be recognized at the 37th Annual Memorial Day commemoration at Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA on May 29th, 2023. (Photo by Gil Castro-Petres)
Eventgoers and retired members of the United States Military salute the flag at the 37th Annual Memorial Day commemoration at Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA on May 29th, 2023. (Photo by Gil Castro-Petres)
The Navy Band Southwest performs the Armed Forces Medley at the 37th Annual Memorial Day commemoration at Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA on May 29th, 2023. (Photo by Gil Castro-Petres)
Flag Bearers from various military, government, and volunteer organizations march during the Presentation of Colors at the 37th Annual Memorial Day commemoration at Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA on May 29th, 2023. (Photo by Gil Castro-Petres)
Flag Bearers from various military, government, and volunteer organizations march during the Presentation of Colors at the 37th Annual Memorial Day commemoration at Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA on May 29th, 2023. (Photo by Gil Castro-Petres)
Members of the Boy Scouts of America unravel the flags at the 37th Annual Memorial Day commemoration at Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA on May 29th, 2023. (Photo by Gil Castro-Petres)
Flag Bearers from various military, government, and volunteer organizations march during the Presentation of Colors at the 37th Annual Memorial Day commemoration at Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA on May 29th, 2023. (Photo by Gil Castro-Petres)
Members of various South Bay police departments perform the 21 gun salute at the 37th Annual Memorial Day commemoration at Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA on May 29th, 2023. (Photo by Gil Castro-Petres)
Eventgoers and retired members of the United States Military salute the flag at the 37th Annual Memorial Day commemoration at Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA on May 29th, 2023. (Photo by Gil Castro-Petres)
A helicopter from the Los Angeles Fire Department performs a flyby at the 37th Annual Memorial Day commemoration at Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA on May 29th, 2023. (Photo by Gil Castro-Petres)
Ray Frew gives a speech at the 37th Annual Memorial Day commemoration at Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA on May 29th, 2023. (Photo by Gil Castro-Petres)
Flag Bearers from various military, government, and volunteer organizations march during the Presentation of Colors at the 37th Annual Memorial Day commemoration at Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA on May 29th, 2023. (Photo by Gil Castro-Petres)
Former and active members of the US Military stand up to be recognized at the 37th Annual Memorial Day commemoration at Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA on May 29th, 2023. (Photo by Gil Castro-Petres)
United States congressman Ted Lieu welcomes everyone to the 37th Annual Memorial Day commemoration at Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA on May 29th, 2023. (Photo by Gil Castro-Petres)
Flag Bearers from various military, government, and volunteer organizations march during the Presentation of Colors at the 37th Annual Memorial Day commemoration at Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA on May 29th, 2023. (Photo by Gil Castro-Petres)
The Cabar Feidh Pipe Band performs the opening procession at the 37th Annual Memorial Day commemoration at Green Hills Memorial Park, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA on May 29th, 2023. (Photo by Gil Castro-Petres)
Barger’s colleague on the Board of Supervisors, Janice Hahn, helped raise the American flag at the Memorial Day Observance at Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes.
Torrance City Councilmember Sharon Kalani, who has worked at Green Hills Memorial Park for 17 years, said the purpose of the Memorial Day observance was to honor “those who have served and gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country and our freedom”.
“It’s very, very important to us here at Green Hills. That’s why we’ve had such a long standing tradition,” she said.
Staff and friends of the community on Saturday placed about 8,000 flags at each individual gravesite, Kalani said.
Memorial Day has a special place in Kalani’s heart, because her grandfather was a career Navy and her father was in the US Army, she said.
“So I grew up really understanding not only the value of the Armed Services, but the sacrifice that they make,” Kalani said.
The observance included skydivers, a procession of colors, a mounted posse, a civilian and military flyover and a performance by Navy Band Southwest. The keynote speaker was retired U.S. Army Col. David W. Sutherland, whose career included being commander of coalition forces in Diyala, Iraq and being the special assistant to then-Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Michael Mullen.
Nearby, the Honoring Our Fallen Memorial Day Reading of Names of the more than 7,000 Americans who have fallen in combat and training exercises since the 9/11 attacks as reported by U.S. Central Command began at 5:30 a.m. at Rosie the Riveter Park in Long Beach with a bagpiper tribute.
Members of Gold Star families, local active-duty military, law enforcement, first responders assisted in reading the names of the fallen in order of death as inscribed on the park’s memorial wall.
Up the coast, San Pedro’s festive five-day Fleet Week event was scheduled to conclude with an evening Memorial Day service at the Main Expo on the waterfront.
Archbishop José H. Gomez presided over a special outdoor Memorial Day Mass at San Fernando Mission Cemetery in Mission Hills, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.
The San Pedro High School marching band performed in Washington, D.C., on Monday, May 29, as part of the annual Memorial Day parade that takes place in the nation’s capitol.
The Pirates, part of Los Angeles Unified School District, were supposed to be part of the parade three years ago, but the band’s participation was nixed because of the pandemic. Courtesy photo
The San Pedro High School marching band performed in Washington, D.C., on Monday, May 29, as part of the annual Memorial Day parade that takes place in the nation’s capitol.
The Pirates, part of Los Angeles Unified School District, were supposed to be part of the parade three years ago, but the band’s participation was nixed because of the pandemic. Courtesy photo
The San Pedro High School marching band performed in Washington, D.C., on Monday, May 29, as part of the annual Memorial Day parade that takes place in the nation’s capitol.
The Pirates, part of Los Angeles Unified School District, were supposed to be part of the parade three years ago, but the band’s participation was nixed because of the pandemic. Courtesy photo
The San Pedro High School marching band performed in Washington, D.C., on Monday, May 29, as part of the annual Memorial Day parade that takes place in the nation’s capitol.
The Pirates, part of Los Angeles Unified School District, were supposed to be part of the parade three years ago, but the band’s participation was nixed because of the pandemic. Courtesy photo
The San Pedro High School marching band performed in Washington, D.C., on Monday, May 29, as part of the annual Memorial Day parade that takes place in the nation’s capitol.
The Pirates, part of Los Angeles Unified School District, were supposed to be part of the parade three years ago, but the band’s participation was nixed because of the pandemic. Courtesy photo
The San Pedro High School marching band performed in Washington, D.C., on Monday, May 29, as part of the annual Memorial Day parade that takes place in the nation’s capitol.
The Pirates, part of Los Angeles Unified School District, were supposed to be part of the parade three years ago, but the band’s participation was nixed because of the pandemic. Courtesy photo
Meanwhile, across the country, the San Pedro High School marching band performed in Washington, D.C., on Monday, May 29, as part of the annual Memorial Day parade that takes place in the nation’s capitol.
The Pirates, part of Los Angeles Unified School District, were supposed to be part of the parade three years ago, but the band’s participation was nixed because of the pandemic.
Pregame ceremonies preceding the Los Angeles Dodgers-Washington Nationals game at Dodger Stadium was set to include 30 veterans, active duty service members and first responders making an honor lap around the warning track on bicycles and a recognition for the 1st Battalion 9th Marines who served in Vietnam.
Like in all of Monday’s games, all on-field personnel were scheduled to wear the traditional memorial red poppy on the left side of their jerseys with “Lest We Forget” language included and there will be a brief moment of silence prior to the singing of the national anthem.
Brock Milhorn, Navy Veteran and Peer Support Specialist with Veteran Peer Access Network speaks during the City of South Pasadena’s annual Memorial Day Program at the War Memorial Building in South Pasadena on Thursday, May 25, 2023. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Boy Scouts from Boy Scout Troop 333 explore a cannon during the City of South Pasadena’s annual Memorial Day Program at the War Memorial Building in South Pasadena on Thursday, May 25, 2023. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Members of the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department Band perform during the City of South Pasadena’s annual Memorial Day Program at the War Memorial Building in South Pasadena on Thursday, May 25, 2023. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Brock Milhorn, Navy Veteran and Peer Support Specialist with Veteran Peer Access Network speaks during the City of South Pasadena’s annual Memorial Day Program at the War Memorial Building in South Pasadena on Thursday, May 25, 2023. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Community members gather at the War Memorial Building during the City of South Pasadena’s annual Memorial Day Program at the War Memorial Building in South Pasadena on Thursday, May 25, 2023. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Community members explore the War Memorial Building during the City of South Pasadena’s annual Memorial Day Program at the War Memorial Building in South Pasadena on Thursday, May 25, 2023. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Members of Boy Scout Troop 333 pose for a photos with Councilmember Janet Braun, left center, and Mayor Pro Tem Evelyn G. Zneimer, right center, during the City of South Pasadena’s annual Memorial Day Program at the War Memorial Building in South Pasadena on Thursday, May 25, 2023. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Brock Milhorn, Navy Veteran salutes during the City of South Pasadena’s annual Memorial Day Program at the War Memorial Building in South Pasadena on Thursday, May 25, 2023. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Erica Nam, District Representative of Senator Anthony Portantino speaks during the City of South Pasadena’s annual Memorial Day Program at the War Memorial Building in South Pasadena on Thursday, May 25, 2023. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Brock Milhorn, Navy Veteran and Peer Support Specialist with Veteran Peer Access Network speaks during the City of South Pasadena’s annual Memorial Day Program at the War Memorial Building in South Pasadena on Thursday, May 25, 2023. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Community members explore the American Legion room during the City of South Pasadena’s annual Memorial Day Program at the War Memorial Building in South Pasadena on Thursday, May 25, 2023. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Community members clap during the City of South Pasadena’s annual Memorial Day Program at the War Memorial Building in South Pasadena on Thursday, May 25, 2023. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
Members of the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department Band perform during the City of South Pasadena’s annual Memorial Day Program at the War Memorial Building in South Pasadena on Thursday, May 25, 2023. (Photo by Libby Cline Birmingham, Contributing Photographer)
At South Pasadena’s War Memorial Building, an event included Boy Scout Troop 333 color guard, the National Anthem sung by Miranda Miller, live music from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Band and remarks from keynote speaker Brock Milhorn, a Navy Veteran and Peer Support Specialist with Veteran Peer Access Network.
Among the other ceremonies around the county: Hawaiian Gardens City Hall, Lancaster Cemetery, Lacy Park in San Marino, Veterans Park in Lomita, Whittier City Hall, Acton Community Center, Cerritos Civic Center, Joshua Memorial Park in Lancaster, Paramount City Hall, Veterans Memorial Fountain in South Gate, Veterans Memorial Plaza in Pico Rivera, Veterans Park in Bell Gardens, Avalon Municipal Cemetery, Inglewood City Hall, Del Valle Park in Lakewood, Wilmington Cemetery, Huntington Park Community Center and Hollywood Post 43 of the American Legion.
In his Memorial Day proclamation, President Joe Biden proclaimed Monday as a day of prayer for permanent peace, designating 11 a.m. in each time zone as a time during which people may unite in prayer, citing a 1950 joint resolution by Congress.
Biden also asked all Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance beginning at 3 p.m. in each time zone under a bill signed into law in 2000 by then-President Bill Clinton. It was first held on Memorial Day in 2000 under a proclamation by Clinton in an attempt “to reclaim Memorial Day as the noble event it was intended to be, to honor those who died in service to our nation.”
The Moment of Remembrance is a “way we can all help put the memorial back in Memorial Day,” said its founder, Carmella LaSpada.
Biden’s proclamation also requested governors of all U.S. states and territories and the appropriate officials of all units of government to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds and naval vessels throughout nation and in all areas under its jurisdiction and control.
Biden also requested the American public to display the flag at half-staff from their homes until noon Monday.
“On Memorial Day, we honor America’s beloved daughters and sons who gave their last full measure of devotion to this nation,” Biden declared in his proclamation. “We can never fully repay the debt we owe these fallen heroes.
“But today, we vow to rededicate ourselves to the work for which they gave their lives, and we recommit to supporting the families, caregivers, and survivors they left behind.”
What became Memorial Day was first observed on May 30, 1868, as Decoration Day, a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the Civil War dead with flowers.
It was established 25 days earlier by Maj. Gen. John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of veterans who fought for the Union in the Civil War. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the nation.
By the end of the 19th century, Decoration Day ceremonies were being held on May 30 throughout the nation. After World War I, the holiday was changed to honor Americans who died fighting in all wars.
The term Memorial Day was first used in 1882, became more common after World War II and declared the official name by federal law in 1967.
Memorial Day had been observed on May 30, until being moved to the last Monday in May in 1971 under terms of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which became law in 1968.
Staff writers Holly Andres, Teresa Liu, Rich Archbold and City News Service reporter Steven Herbert contributed to this report
