Headstone of a fallen Marine at the National Memorial at Quantico, Virginia (Photo: Lance Cpl. Harleigh Faulk)
Californians will come together this Memorial Day to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to the U.S. From national cemeteries to local community centers, a wide range of events will take place throughout the state to pay tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes.
VA Ceremonies to Be Held at National Cemeteries Across the State
The VA will host ceremonies at VA national cemeteries, inviting the public to participate in acts of remembrance. These ceremonies will include wreath-laying, the playing of Taps, and commemorative speeches. Memorial Day events in California are scheduled at Bakersfield, Benicia Arsenal Post, Fort Rosecrans, Golden Gate, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Annex, Mare Island Naval, Miramar, Riverside, Sacramento Valley, San Francisco, and San Joaquin Valley National Cemeteries.
In addition to in-person ceremonies, those unable to attend can pay tribute online through the Veterans Legacy Memorial, VLM, website. The VLM features memorial pages for more than 10 million Veterans, including biographies, photos, and personal stories.
VA’s National Cemetery Administration is also working with nonprofit partners, Carry The Load, the Travis Manion Foundation, and Victory for Veterans, to offer additional events, volunteer opportunities, and storytelling projects that honor Veterans interred at VA cemeteries.
Local Events Across California
In Los Angeles, a Veteran Pre-Memorial Day Luncheon will be held on Friday, May 23, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center. The free event is open to Veterans, families, and members of the public.
The Palm Springs Air Museum will host its annual Memorial Day Air Fair and Flower Drop on Monday, May 26. The event begins at 10:00 a.m. and includes aircraft displays and family-friendly activities, culminating with a flower drop at 1:00 p.m. in memory of fallen Service Members. This year’s program will also honor the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps. Children 12 and under will be admitted free with a paid adult.
The Clovis Veterans Memorial District will hold a day of remembrance on Monday, May 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event will feature live music, patriotic performances, documentary screenings, and a community luncheon at noon.
American Legion and VFW Posts Host Memorial Tributes
American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts throughout California are also planning observances. These are just a few of the American Legion posts hosting events:
The American Legion Post 755 in Covina will host a community potluck after the noon ceremony at Oakdale Cemetery on May 26. The post will provide fried chicken, and guests are invited to bring a dish to share.
In Highland, American Legion Post 421 will hold its annual Memorial Day Commemoration at 10:00 a.m. on May 26.
The VFW Post 6563 and American Legion Post 262 in Fontana will co-host a Memorial Day ceremony and lunch on May 26, beginning with a remembrance event in the parking lot of the VFW Post 6563 and followed by lunch at 1:00 p.m. Donations are welcome.
All events are open to the public, and organizers encourage attendees to confirm times and details with their local posts or host locations.
As Californians gather this Memorial Day, whether at a national cemetery, a community center, or an American Legion post, the message remains the same: to remember, honor, and give thanks for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
