(Photo: Gabriel Mihalcea)
The American Legion Palisades Post 283 is excited to invite Veterans, Service Members, and their families to join in the 4th of July celebrations in Pacific Palisades. Here’s the schedule of events:
Morning Meet-Up: 7:00 AM
Start the day by gathering at American Legion Post 283 to drop off bags, stretch out, and hydrate. Early arrival is recommended due to road closures. All event sites are within walking distance. For more information and route maps, visit the city’s website. Street parking is available.
5K Run with the Superintendent of USMA, West Point: 8:00 AM
Participate in a 5K run (3.1 miles) with the Superintendent of USMA, West Point. Those preferring a longer run can continue for a 10K on their own. A special code will be provided to waive the $65 registration fee on the Pacific Palisades July 4th page. Active, Guard, Reserve, and Cadet runners are encouraged to wear their unit’s PT gear. The group will start the run together, but participants can run at their own pace.
Brunch at American Legion Post 283: 9:30 AM
After the run, cool down and enjoy brunch at Post 283. This is a great opportunity to eat and network, with refreshments served while supplies last. A photo booth will be available. Please note that there are no showers in the restrooms.
Pacific Palisades Parade: 2:00 PM
Bring family and friends to watch the Pacific Palisades Parade. The Superintendent of USMA and his wife, Betsy, will participate in the parade, along with Medal of Honor recipient CSM (Ret) Gary Littrell and his wife, Suzanne. Veterans and Service Members are welcome to walk beside the vehicles, with service uniform optional.
BBQ at American Legion Post 283: 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Join the BBQ featuring talks on leadership by the Superintendent and on values by Medal of Honor recipient CSM (Ret) Gary Littrell. After the presentations, attendees can change into more casual wear. Enjoy gaming stations sponsored by American Legion Gaming, a photo booth, and refreshments while supplies last, including snow cones and balloon animals for the kids.
Evening Music & Fireworks at Palisades Charter High School
Gates open from 6:00 to 8:45 p.m., with fireworks at 9:00 p.m. This is an advance-purchase ticketed event but Post 283 has a limited number of tickets to share. There are also plenty of spots outside Palisades Charter High School to watch the fireworks for free. Tickets can be purchased on the Pacific Palisades Fireworks website.
The event will feature LTG Steven Gilland, the Superintendent of the US Military Academy, and Medal of Honor recipient CSM (Ret) Gary Littrell. Attendees are welcome to join for the entire day.
For those planning to attend specific portions of the day or needing the registration code for the run, please inform Post 283. Any questions can also be directed to the Post.
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.