latest news Memorial Day events scheduled around Los Angeles
Observed as a federal holiday on the last Monday in May, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who died while serving in the United States military. A number of ceremonies around the Southland will honor fallen service members.
Memorial Day also marks the unofficial start of summer and is often observed with barbecues and other celebrations that stray from its solemn roots.
Here’s a list of some Memorial Day events this Monday in and around Los Angeles.
Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony in West LA
The Department of Veterans Affairs will hold a public Memorial Day service at the Los Angeles National Cemetery, 950 S. Sepulveda Blvd., from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Memorable Annual Los Angeles MVP Walk from Santa Monica to West LA
Merging Vets and Players, a peer support organization that brings together veterans and former professional athletes, will lead a walk from Santa Monica Pier to LA National Cemetery (about 4.8 miles) before the ceremony. “Remembrance Day is [a] difficult day for many and we don’t want anyone to be alone,” the organizers wrote on the event page. “Join us and spend the morning honoring and remembering those who are no longer with us.” The event will begin with the national anthem at 7:00 a.m. near the cannon in the Santa Monica Pier meeting area, and the march will begin at 7:15 a.m.
LA Fleet Week in San Pedro
There will be a number of LA Fleet Week events throughout Monday, including musical performances and a Memorial Day service at the Main Expo Footprint at the USS Battleship Iowa, 250 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro.
Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade
The 31st Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade will follow a route along Sherman Way from Owensmouth Avenue to Cozycroft Avenue in the San Fernando Valley. There will be an opening ceremony at 10 a.m., followed by the parade at 11 a.m.
Memorial Day Events at Forest Lawn
There will be celebrations with patriotic music, ceremonial wreath presentations and a color guard at a number of Forest Lawn cemeteries, including Glendale and Hollywood Hills sites.
Garden Grove Strawberry Festival
With carnival rides, food and live music, the final day of the annual Garden Grove Strawberry Festival will run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday at the Village Green between Euclid and Main streets in downtown of Garden Grove.
Hermosa Party at Hermosa Beach
The annual weekend festival Fiesta Hermosa will continue on Monday with a carnival, concerts on the beach, a food fair and a “makers market”. Events will be happening throughout the day at Hermosa Beach.
Topanga Days National Fair
Topanga Canyon’s bohemian festival is back, with food, music and a Memorial Day parade. The parade will run from approximately 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The festival itself requires paid tickets, although it is free for active military members.
Holidays at La Cañada Flintridge
Monday’s Fiesta Days program at La Cañada Flintridge will include a 9 a.m. memorial service and a 10:30 a.m. parade, followed by games, food and music, at Memorial Park, 1301 Foothill Blvd.
