Sacramento Valley National Cemetery (Photo: Tech. Sgt. Daniel Peterson)
Many Californians will gather this Memorial Day to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States. From American Legion posts and national cemeteries to local parks, waterfront memorials and community centers, events across the state will give Veterans, families and the public a place to pause, remember, and pay tribute.
Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 25, and this year’s observances also come as the nation prepares to recognize America’s 250th anniversary.
VA Ceremonies Planned at National Cemeteries Across California
The VA will host Memorial Day ceremonies at national cemeteries across California. According to a national listing shared by Connecting Vets, California observances are scheduled at Bakersfield, Benicia Arsenal Post, Fort Rosecrans, Golden Gate, Los Angeles, Mare Island Naval, Miramar, Riverside, Sacramento Valley, San Francisco and San Joaquin Valley national cemeteries.
The VA encourages attendees to verify details before attending. Those unable to attend in person can also honor a fallen Service Member through the Veterans Legacy Memorial, which includes memorial pages for more than 10 million Veterans.
American Legion Posts Hosting Memorial Day Events
Several American Legion posts across California will take part in Memorial Day ceremonies and community gatherings on Monday., including:
American Legion Cecil Cox Post 147 – Clovis
American Legion Cecil Cox Post 147 and VFW Post 3225 will host a Memorial Day Ceremony at 9 a.m. at Clovis Cemetery, located at 305 N. Villa Ave. in Clovis. The program will honor fallen Service Members who gave their lives in defense of the country.
American Legion Post 101 – Benicia
American Legion Post 101 in Benicia will hold Memorial Day activities beginning at Benicia Veteran’s Memorial Hall, located at 1150 First Street. The day includes flag raisings at Benicia Veteran’s Memorial Hall, Benicia City Cemetery and Benicia Arsenal Post Cemetery.
The post will also host lunch and a Post Everlasting Ceremony before the day ends with the lowering of flags at Benicia Arsenal Post Cemetery, Benicia City Cemetery and Benicia Veteran’s Memorial Hall.
American Legion Post 584 – Big Bear Lake
American Legion Post 584, the City of Big Bear Lake and the Marine Corps League will host an annual Memorial Day Ceremony in Big Bear Lake. Veterans and community members are invited to gather in remembrance of the men and women who lost their lives in service to the nation.
A barbecue will follow at American Legion Post 584, located at 41606 Big Bear Blvd. in Big Bear Lake, from noon to 3 p.m.
American Legion-Supported Veterans Memorial Day Golf Tournament – Fresno Area
The 13th Annual Veterans Memorial Day Golf Tournament will raise funds for the Fresno Veterans Hospital. The tournament includes men’s flights, women’s flights, mixed flight, closest to the pin, long drive contests, putting contest and most accurate contests. The event is hosted by The American Legion, Central Valley Blue Star Moms, the VFW and Vietnam Veterans of America.
Editor’s Note: To submit an event, email Southards.CALegion@gmail.com.
Northern California Memorial Day Events
Several Northern California communities will host Memorial Day programs, including ceremonies in Marin County, San Francisco, San Bruno, Danville, Mill Valley and other Bay Area locations. A Patch roundup of Northern California events lists ceremonies, parades and tributes taking place during Memorial Day weekend.
In Marin County, the Marin County United Veterans Council is scheduled to host its annual Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 25, at the Marin County Fairgrounds in San Rafael. The program includes patriotic music, a presentation of colors, wreath placements and remarks from U.S. Army Master Sgt. John Meholick.
In San Francisco, a Memorial Day commemoration is planned at San Francisco National Cemetery in the Presidio. Patch reports the ceremony will include speakers, a salute, Color Guard, a Coast Guard helicopter flyover, a Gold Star Family wreath presentation, music and flags placed at graves throughout the cemetery.
Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno is also scheduled to hold a public Memorial Day observance on May 25. The ceremony is expected to include traditional honors such as a presentation of colors, wreath-laying, a rifle salute and guest speakers.
Southern California Memorial Day Events
Forest Lawn Memorial Day Remembrances
Forest Lawn will hold free Memorial Day remembrances at six Southern California locations on May 25, including Cathedral City, Covina Hills, Cypress, Glendale, Hollywood Hills and Long Beach. Programs will include patriotic music, wreath layings and keynote addresses, with the featured event taking place at Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills.
Oakdale Memorial Park Memorial Day Event
Oakdale Memorial Park will host a Memorial Day event featuring guest speakers, a flyover by the Condor Squadron, a twenty-one gun salute and other tributes.
Redondo Beach Memorial Day Ceremony
Redondo Beach will hold a Memorial Day observance at 1 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial in Veterans Park near the Redondo Pier. The ceremony will include military honors, guest speakers and music from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, followed by a barbecue hosted by the Redondo Elks Lodge.
Santa Ana Memorial Day Flag Raising Ceremony
The City of Santa Ana will host a Memorial Day Flag Raising Ceremony on Monday, May 25, 2026, at Memorial Park, located at 2102 S. Flower St. The ceremony begins at 9 a.m. on the north side of the park, off St. Gertrude Place. The community is invited to attend and honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to the country.
LA Fleet Week – San Pedro
LA Fleet Week will return to the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro during Memorial Day weekend from May 22-25. The event will include ship tours, military demonstrations, aircraft flyovers and community activities honoring the nation’s sea services.
San Diego County Memorial Day Events
San Diego County will also host Memorial Day events at several military and Veterans sites. A San Diego Union-Tribune roundup lists community events from the USS Midway to Mt. Soledad.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted family connection to the military, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.