Memorial Day Celebrations California

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Memorial Day in California includes a variety of experiences to celebrate and honor those who have died in service to the country, the United States of America.  Events range from beach events near public piers to military grounds, public main streets and anywhere that locals select as the best place to honor others.

ALHAMBRA: Memorial Day ceremony  May 25, 2015, 11 a.m. 
Alhambra Park Veteran's Monument, southeast corner of Palm Avenue and Alhambra Road. Reading of the names of the many Alhambra residents, included in the Fallen Veterans Honor Roll in wars ranging from World War I through Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Sponsored by the City of Alhambra with major support and participation by the members of Alhambra's American Legion Post 139. The public is invited to a reception at the American Legion Post, 24 N. Stoneman Ave., immediately following the Alhambra Park Ceremony. alhambrachamber.org

AMERICAN CANYON: Memorial Day Ceremony May 25, 2015, 11 a.m.
Veterans Memorial Park 2801 Broadway American Canyon, California 94503  The City of American Canyon American Canyon Memorial Day Ceremony is held at Veterans Memorial Park at 2801 Broadway. Program: Welcome, Raising of Colors, Pledge of Allegiance, Invocation, City Council Proclamation, VFW Post 11099 Memorial Day Presentation, Guest Speakers, A Moment of Remembrance, Taps. cityofamericancanyon.org

ANAHEIM: Memorial Ceremony May 25, 2015, 11 a.m. - Noon
Anaheim Cemetery, 1400 E. Sycamore St, Anaheim, 92805. Pot luck lunch served at the VFW Post 3173, 805 E. Sycamore St, Anaheim, 92805 immediately after the service. The public is invited to all functions.  Contact 714-535-4928

APPLE VALLEY: 12:00 - 2:00 PM – Ceremony, Sunset Hills Memorial Park, 24000 Waalew Rd., Apple Valley, CA 92307

BENICIA: Memorial Day   May 25, 2015, 10 a.m.
Benicia Arsenal Historic Cemetery
Presented by the Benicia Historical Society, music performed by the Diablo Regional Concert Band.  7:30 AM Raise the flags at the Benicia Veterans Memorial Hall 8:00 AM Raise the garrison flag at the Benicia Arsenal Historic Cemetery. 8:20 AM Place flags and flowers on the graves at the Benicia Arsenal Historic Cemetery 10:00 AM Memorial Day Ceremony at the Benicia Arsenal Historic Cemetery presented by the Benicia Historical Society. 12:00 PM Barbecue and fun at the Benicia Veterans Memorial Hall! 4:00 PM Lower the flags at the Benicia Veterans Memorial Hall 4:30 PM Lower the garrison flag at the Benicia Arsenal Historic Cemetery. All Day and into the night: Remembrance, recognition, food, and fun at the Benicia Veteran's Memorial Hall, 1150 First St., Benicia, CA

BONITA: – 11:00 AM – Memorial Ceremony and Flyover by Vintage Planes, Chapel of Roses, Glen Abbey Memorial Park & Mortuary, 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA (Contact: 619-239-5977 or 619-498-4600)

CALISTOGA: Memorial Day Ceremony Monday, May 25, 2015, 9:30 a.m.
American Legion will hold its annual ceremony at Pioneer Cemetery honoring the Civil War veterans buried there. Dean Enderlin will again be emcee with his organization in full Civil War costumes. Start time is 9:30 a.m. Pioneer Cemetery is located on Foothill Boulevard between High Street and Petrified Forest Road.
On Saturday, May 23 The American Legion will lay 11 new honoree bricks at the Veterans Memorial. Honorees and/or their families can observe or lay the bricks themselves. The public is invited. Start time is 9 a.m. The Memorial is at Logvy Park at the corner of Washington and North Oak streets.  Following the cemetery ceremony, the traditional ceremony at the Veterans Memorial will include music, new brick honorees and various remarks. Start time is 11 a.m.

CANOGA PARK:  10:30 AM to Noon, Parade, Canoga Park/West Hills Chamber of Commerce, Sherman Way/Owensmouth to Cozycroft, Canoga Park, CA 
CANOGA PARK 16th Annual Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade is the largest event of the year for the entire San Fernando Valley
Location: 7248 Owensmouth Avenue
Canoga Park, CA
Phone: 818-884-4222

CAPISTRANO BEACH: Memorial Day Ceremony May 25, 2015, 10 a.m.- Noon.  Pines Park, 34941 Camino Capistrano, Capistrano Beach, CA (Contact William Manes, VFW Post 9934. Call: (949) 248-1419)

CARMEL BY THE SEA Memorial Day Ceremony May 25, 2015, 11 a.m.
Downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea Phone: (831) 625-9941. Open to the public, the ringing of the bell in the World War I Memorial Arch at Ocean Avenue and San Carlos Street in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea marks the start of the annual Memorial Day Ceremony, which concludes with speeches from city dignitaries and military officials in Devendorf Park. Afterward, the American Legion Post in Carmel hosts an open house for veterans, friends and family.  carmelcalifornia.com

CERRITOS: Memorial Day City of Cerritos May 25, 2015, 10 a.m.
Prelude music begins at 9:45 a.m. The community is invited to attend the City of Cerritos' Memorial Day Ceremony in honor of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation's freedom.  (562) 865-8101. The event will feature:   Comments by Cerritos City Council Donations of new, unopened packages of baby wipes, disposable razors, shaving cream (preferably Barbasol), toothbrushes and toothpaste will be accepted at the event for the 1st CEB Marine Corps. 18125 Bloomfield Avenue Bloomfield Avenue at 183rd Street Cerritos Civic Center near the Veterans Memorial, Memorial Wreath Laying, Moment of Silence, Patriotic Musical Selections Performed by the Cerritos College Community Band. cerritos.us

CHULA VISTA
: 11:00 AM – Dedication Ceremony, Veterans Memorial, Mater Dei Catholic High School, 1615 Mater Dei Drive, Chula Vista, CA. Call: 619-23-2121, ext. 117

COLUMBIA: Memorial Day Salute May 25, 2015
 Chamber of Commerce Phone: 209-536-1672. columbiacalifornia.com

CORONADO Memorial Day Commemoration May 25, 2015 at Star Park. 10:00 am. 
Rear Admiral Paul Becker, USN, is keynote speaker.  National Anthem and  God Bless America sung by internationally known opera singer, and Coronado resident, Diane Alexander. The Memorial Day ceremonies begin at 10 a.m. and last about an hour.  Following the event at Star Park, attendees are invited to attend VFW Post 2422 for light refreshments at their headquarters at 557 Orange Avenue. For more information on the Coronado VFW Memorial Service on May 25, contact Michael Turner at (619) 865-4809 or mturner003@san.rr.com.

DAVIS: Memorial Day Ceremony May 21, 2015, 5-7 p.m.
Gold Star Aggies --UC Davis students and alumni who lost their lives in military service -- are honored at  annual Memorial Day ceremony at the Memorial Union South Patio. There will be a reception at the Coffee House afterwards, and we will also celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Memorial Union since its opening and dedication to the Gold Star Aggies in 1955. cru.ucdavis.edu

DEL MAR:  Del Mar Community Memorial Day Service May 25, 2015, 11 a.m.
St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 334 14th St., Del Mar, CA Call: (858) 279-5458

DINUBA:  Memorial Day Ceremony May 25, 2015, 10-11 a.m.
Smith Mountain Cemetery, located 2 miles east of Dinuba on Avenue 416, Dinuba, CA
(559) 528-2811

EL MONTE: Memorial Day Ceremony Monday, May 25, 2015, 9 a.m.
Tony Arceo Memorial Park 3125 N. Tyler Ave., El Monte Information-(626) 580-2001.  ci.el-monte.ca.us

FAIR OAKS: Memorial Day and Avenue of Flags Ceremony  May 23, 2015, 10 a.m. 
fairoakscemetery.com
Fair Oaks Cemetery, located at 7780 Olive Street, Fair Oaks. Complimentary refreshments will be provided. The formal ceremonies start at 10 AM. Click on the above flyer to see full size.

FERNDALE May 25, 2015 Memorial Day Parade
Ferndale veterans and other organizations coordinate the 10 a.m. parade and solemn remembrance of the day. victorianferndale.com

GILROY  Memorial Day Parade  May 25, 2015
Schedule: 11:00 - 12:30 
gilroycommunity.org

HAWAIIAN GARDENS: Memorial Day Ceremony May 25, 2015, 8 a.m.
Annual event held at Hawaiian Gardens City Hall.  hgcity.org

HILLSBOROUGH Memorial Day Parade May 25, 2015, 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. 
 Celebrate Memorial Day in Hillsborough! This annual event  features groups or "floats," marching and riding through town in honor of this patriotic holiday, Celebrating our Community and our Country. The start time will be 10:30am at Town Hall, and the parade will finish at the North School field. The parade is only one hour, from 10:30 - 11:30 am.  Memorial Day Parade Carnival & Music Festival. Parade features Wells Fargo Stagecoach, 2014 GIANTS WORLD SERIES TROPHY  AND on the field for photos. The Parade starts at 10:30 a.m. at Town Hall, with line up beginning at 9:30 a.m. The route will go straight up Floribunda, left on Eucalyptus, finishing at North Hillsborough Elementary School.  At North School, the Carnival will begin at 10am. The Observance Ceremony will be right after the end of the parade, at approximately 11:45 a.m. The Music Festival will begin immediately after that.  The Carnival includes down home traditional games, arts and crafts, the dunk tank and the petting zoo will be back this year. Food trucks on the field. Music Festival features more than 10 local acts. All festivities end around 2:30 p.m. hillsborough.net 

HUNTINGTON BEACH  Memorial Day Ceremony May 25, 2015
Huntington Beach Pier, 11 a.m.

IRVINE:  Memorial Day Ceremonies May 24 and May 25 Sunday: 4 p.m. Monday: 10 a.m.
Irvine hosts two Memorial Day events: The Sunday ceremony, in partnership with the Northwood Memorial committee at  Northwood Gratitude and Honor Memorial  features presentations by Gold Star families.  On Monday, the City of Irvine hosts Memorial Day Ceremony in the Formal Garden at Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park. Attendees will have the opportunity to memorialize our troops' sacrifice by writing down a brief remembrance to be posted on a memory board at the event. Cards will also be available for well-wishers to send a message of appreciation and support to members of Irvine's adopted 2/11 Marine Battalion. cityofirvine.org

LAKEWOOD: Memorial Day Ceremony  May 25, 2015, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Del Valle Park.   lakewoodcity.org
Rededication of the newly expanded Veterans Memorial Plaza, including the refurbished Del Valle jet plane and the unveiling of over 1,400 memorial bricks purchased in the name of veterans and Lakewood community members and groups. A very large crowd is expected, so the City of Lakewood is organizing two events on Memorial Day in an effort to spread out the audience and try to create the best viewing experience for the most people possible. Lakewood City Council Members will join with members of American Legion Post 496, Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post 8615, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 19 and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 756 in leading the community at the two memorial events. The first event will be the city's traditional Memorial Day ceremony running from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Monday, May 25 at Veterans Memorial Plaza in Del Valle Park at the corner of Woodruff Avenue and Henrilee Street. Extra parking will be made available this year on the MacArthur Elementary School playground (enter from Centralia Street). Parking for persons with disabilities will be on Henrilee Street and on the portion of the MacArthur playground closest to Veterans Memorial Plaza. After the event, community members can see their memorial bricks and get an up-close view of the newly renovated memorial, which is being constructed in the theme of an aircraft carrier flight deck. That matches the history of the Del Valle jet plane, which is a Douglas F3D-2 Skyknight” fighter assigned to the Marines and Navy in the 1950s. Engraved in stone on the new memorial will be prominent features of the original Lakewood memorial, including the names of Lakewood's Vietnam War dead and the poem, The Boys of Del Valle Park.” The second specially added Memorial Day event will take place at twilight on Monday, May 25 and feature the first public lighting of the renovated memorial at night. The jet plane and runway include special dramatic lighting designed to simulate the take-off of the plane. The evening event will start at 8:15 p.m. with a short ceremony, including musical entertainment. Then at approximately 8:45 p.m., the plane and memorial will be lit publicly for the first time. Residents who wish to view their memorial bricks up close are encouraged to come before the ceremony in order to see them before dark. Parking will not be available at MacArthur Elementary School or St. Timothy's Lutheran Church for the evening events because of a lack of lighting. Parking for persons with disabilities will still be available along Henrilee Street east of Woodruff Avenue. Community members wishing to pick up the replica copies of bricks that they pre-ordered can do so for one hour after the end of the daytime Memorial Day event at a designated tent next to the memorial. After that time, replica bricks can be picked up during regular business hours any day starting Tuesday, May 26 at Lakewood City Hall at the Public Works Department. The Lakewood Veterans Memorial Plaza will be open all afternoon on Memorial Day, which may provide a more casual, less crowded time for parking and viewing bricks and the memorial. And after Memorial Day, the new veterans plaza will be open seven days a week, and the lights on the plane, runway and memorial will be lit every night after sunset.   Call Lakewood City Hall at 562-866-9771, extension 2140. lakewoodcity.org

LAKEPORT  Saturday May 23, 2015
Lakeport Memorial Day Parade on Main Street
lakeportchamber.com

LA PALMA: Memorial Day Ceremony  May 25, 2015, 9:15 a.m.
City's Eternal Flame cityoflapalma.org/memorialday

LA JOLLA: 2015 Memorial Day Ceremony   May 25, 2015 2-3 p.m.
Performance Aircraft Flyover. Location: 6905 La Jolla Scenic Dr., La Jolla, CA. soledadmemorial.com

LAWNDALE: Memorial Day Ceremony May 25, 2015, 9 a.m.
Held at the Memorial Wall, Lawndale, CA. lawndalecity.org

LONG BEACH:  American Gold Star Manor Memorial Day Ceremony May 22, 2015, 11 a.m.
Navy veteran and Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe will give the keynote speech at one of the only communities for families of military personnel.  3021 Gold Star Drive (just west of the intersection of Santa Fe and Spring Street), Long Beach. Call 562-426-7651 or  goldstarmanor.org

LONG BEACH: The Band of the California Battalion May 24, 2015 5:30-7 p.m.
Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site  free event from The band plays authentic instruments, primarily horns designed by Adolph Sax, and performs military and popular music from the American Civil War era. 4600 Virginia Road, Long Beach. rancholoscerritos.org

LOWER LAKE Daze Parade  May 24, 2015
beginning at 11am with activities all afternoon until 4PM. The Lower Lake Community Action Committee plans Lower Lake Daze Parade & Barbeque, which includes a petting zoo, food & craft vendors, face painting, kids games, pony rides, a BBQ, music during the afternoon and a raffle. Proceeds from the raffle will benefit community projects. Following the parade, all activities are in the park behind the new Firehouse. lakeportchamber.com

MILL VALLEY Sponsored by the I Love A Parade   Monday, May 25, 2015, 10:30am
mviloveaparade.com
This year there will be a special ceremony under the flag pole at Lytton Square at 9:45 a.m. Established in 1992, the annual Memorial Day Parade in Mill Valley, CA  is the City's biggest community event of the year.

MISSION VIEJO:  Memorial Day Ceremony May 25, 2015, 8:30 a.m.
Mission Viejo Civic Center, 200 Civic Center.
Colonel Paul Nugent, commanding officer of the Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division, is joined by retired 1st Lieutenant David K. Hayward, an Army Air Force pilot during WWII and author of A Young Man in the Wild Blue Yonder.”  Civic Center courtyard  American Heroes Tribute banner display from May 16-27, 2015. Call (949) 470-3061.

MONROVIA: Memorial Day Ceremony  May 25, 2015, 10 a.m.
Memorial Day Celebrations 18th Annual Salute to Veterans and their Families on Saturday, May 23, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Arcadia County Park AND The Live Oak Memorial Park and Mortuary's Memorial Day Ceremony to honor those who served our Country. Monday May 25, 2015 10am Live Oak Memorial Park and Mortuary 200 East Duarte Rd., Monrovia CA 91016 All are welcome! cityofmonrovia.org

MONTEREY PARK:   Ceremony of Remembrance May 23, 2015, 10 - 11:15 a.m.
American Legion Post 628, City of Monterey Park City Hall, 320 W. Newmark Avenue, Monterey Park, CA
Contact James KB Wong at 213-880-1078 or Lucy Shen at 626-757-6818

MONTROSE: Memorial Day Ceremony May 25, 2105, 8 a.m.
Held in front of the Vietnam War Memorial on Honolulu Ave. & Oceanview Blvd., veterans and local officials come to pay their respects to those who have served and fallen. (818) 249-7171, montrosechamber.org  

MORENO VALLEY: Memorial Day Events May 25, 2015,   Wings & Rotors Air Museum to show its support to our Veterans on Memorial Day. Parade and Ride Event and Route Summary: Participants begin staging in front of the Riverside Harley-Davidson dealer on Indiana Avenue in Riverside as early as 6:00 a.m. There will be an Ultimate Sacrifice ceremony by the West Coast Thunder Color Guard and then the parade departs at precisely 9:11 a.m. in remembrance of the tragedies of 2001, proceeding to the Riverside National Cemetery. Couple in Parade on Sunnymead Ave The parade will turn left at the Cemetery entrance at Meridian Parkway and enter the northbound I-215 freeway via the Cactus Avenue on-ramp. It will travel north, proceed onto SR-60, exit onto Frederick Street /Pigeon Pass Road and continue eastbound on Sunnymead Boulevard. The parade will re-enter eastbound SR-60 at Heacock St., then continue on to Soboba Casino for a Tribute Concert.  The West Coast Thunder Bike Run/ Parade will occur in the morning where spectators are encouraged to come out early Memorial Day Monday, May 25th to become part of this tradition. Lining up along Sunnymead Boulevard beginning at about 9:30 a.m. is strongly encouraged. West Coast Thunder Motorcyles on route in Moreno ValleyThe West Coast Thunder Memorial Day Bike Run/ Parade and the concert event exist to honor veterans who continue to fight for American freedoms and in memory of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. West Coast Thunder has been the major contributor of funds to the Riverside National Cemetery through its Support Committee. WCT's financial gifts to Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee over the past 14 years have funded Cemetery projects benefitting indigent and unaccompanied homeless veterans buried each month. The service includes the purchase of flower cones, and the placement of flower bouquets and an American flag on their final resting place. For more information about the RNCSC, please visit www.rncsc.org For details about WCT's, participation in the Memorial Day Bike Run/ Parade, volunteer registrations and vendor information, please go to the West Coast Thunder website at www.westcoastthunder.com Memorial Cememony In the afternoon, the community can honor its fallen veterans at the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at 2:00 p.m. at a special ceremony that will be held at Moreno Valley's Veteran's Memorial in the Civic Center located at 14177 Frederick Street. moreno-valley.ca.us

MURRIETA: Memorial Day Observance Ceremony Monday, May 25, 2015, 8 a.m.
Town Square Park, Murrieta, CA murrieta.org

NAPA: Memorial Day Ceremony May 25, 2015, 11:30 a.m.

Napa Veterans groups will host a ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park on Main Street at 11:30 a.m. Monday, with Lee Shaw, a chaplain for local law enforcement agencies, the keynote speaker. Mayor Jill Techel will give the opening remarks. A detail from American Legion Post 113 will give a 21-gun salute and play taps, said event chairman Tom Sarciapone. The American Legion will offer a complimentary lunch at their hall, 1240 Pearl St., to anyone who attended the ceremony, Sarciapone said.

NEWHALL 25th Annual Memorial Day Celebration Monday, May 25, 2015 10 a.m.
Eternal Valley Memorial Park & Mortuary 23287 N. Sierra Hwy., Newhall Eternal Valley Memorial Park will bring the community together to celebrate, honor and remember America's heroes who gave their lives in the line of duty. For the first time, Eternal Valley also will host the stirring  Remembering Our Fallen  memorial photo exhibit. The photo exhibit is on display in the reception area  May 18-30, 2015 to honor the 1,000 Southern Californians who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. eternalvalleymortuary.com

NOVATO: Memorial Day Celebration May 25, 2015, 9:30 a.m.
Valley Memorial Park Cemetery Celebration to honor 600+ veterans
Location: Valley Memorial Park Cemetery 650 Bugeia Lane Novato, California
34th Annual Memorial Day celebration-- flags will be placed at the gravesites by the Boy Scouts of Troop 27 and the Cub Scouts of Pack 27. The Novato Elks Lodge along with other veterans groups, the USCG strike team, the USCG Station Golden Gate, the 11th Coast Guard District Commander, the Novato High School Air Force Junior ROTC, the Novato Police Department, the Novato Fire Department, Novato Kiwanians and elected officials will be on hand to honor the over 600 veterans buried at the cemetery.  Flags placed at graves, Welcoming remarks, Pledge of Allegiance, ROTC Cadet National Anthem Invocation, NPD Chaplain Introduction of Distinguished Visitors, Patrick Murphy, Novato Elks Lodge Speaker: RADM Joseph Servido, USCG, Commander 11 Coast Guard District Placing of wreaths, Closing remarks. Patrick Murphy, Novato Elks Lodge America the Beautiful Benediction NPD Chaplain 0930 – Taps. novato.org

OAKLEY: Memorial Day Observance  Saturday, May 23rd, 2015, 10:30 a.m.
The City of Oakley 4th Annual Memorial Day Observance Ceremony on  at the Civic Center Park, 3231 Main Street beginning at 10:30 am.   Presentation of Colors, performance from the Freedom High School Choir, a student decoration of the memorial wreath, 3-volley salute, taps, and more!   Memorial Day address  delivered by Oakley resident, U.S. Air force Senior Airman and Vietnam combat veteran, John Amie. Mr. Amie served in the U.S. Air Force from 1964 to 1968, one year of which while serving in the 37th Air Rescue & Recovery Squadron at Da Nang, Republic of Vietnam (RVN).  co.contra-costa.ca.us

OJAI: Memorial Day Community Celebration May 25, 2015,  11:30 a.m.
The Ojai Valley Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 11461 present their Free Annual Memorial Day Community Celebration, featuring the Ventura British Brass. Band Concert 11:30am - 12:30 p.m. Location: Libbey Bowl. libbeybowl.org

PALM SPRINGS: Memorial Day Flower Drop & Air Fair May 25, 2015,  1-2:30 p.m.
This is a very special day at the Palm Springs Air Museum. Our brief Memorial Day service at 1 PM is dedicated to all of our fallen comrades who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms. In their honor, we highlight that service with a fly-by and flower drop of 3,000 red and white carnations from a B-25 Mitchell bomber. The entire day is filled with flight exhibitions, musical performances, WWII re-enactors, children's activities and lots & lots of flying aircraft. Location: Palm Springs Air Museum, 745 North Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, California 92262. palmspringsairmuseum.org

PISMO BEACH: Memorial Day Ceremony May 25, 2015, 11 a.m.
Held on the Pismo Beach Pier
This annual event is designed as a remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.  Colonel David Cramer and other special guest speakers to honor and remember those we have lost. classiccalifornia.com

PITTSBURG: Memorial Day Ceremony May 25, 2015, 10 a.m.
United Veterans Council, Inc.  Pittsburg Veterans Memorial, Harbor Street Presented by the Disabled American Veterans Council Chapter 154, American Legion Post 151, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1858. ci.pittsburg.ca.us

POINT REYES SEASHORE:  May 22, 2015, 8 a.m.
Point Reyes National Seashore and the U.S. Coast Guard will honor the sacrifice of the surfmen who served to protect America's coast as a part of the United States Lifesaving Service. Join the National Park Service and the United States Coast Guard at 8 am for services at the Historic Life-Saving Service Cemetery located at G Ranch. Schedule: 8 am Flag Ceremony 9 am to 9:15 am Brief history of the U.S. Lifesaving Service and Biography of Individuals Buried in the Lifesaving Service Cemetery 9:35 am Benediction Memorial Day Decorations at the Life Saving Service Cemetery at G Ranch.  The cemetery overlooks Drakes Estero just off Sir Francis Drake Boulevard near the Coast Guard facility (CAMSPAC) in the northern district of Point Reyes. The cemetery is a short walk from a two-vehicle parking lot off of the CAMSPAC access road. Parking is extremely limited and participants may need to park their vehicle on the shoulder of the access road. Participants should where comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. A picket fence enclosure under Coast Guard ownership contains the graves of five surfmen who died while on duty at the United States Life-Saving Station at Point Reyes Beach in the early 1890s. The Life-Saving Station crews launched lifeboats into the heavy surf at the Point Reyes beach and conducted numerous rescues of stranded vessels on the treacherous Point Reyes Headlands. Over the course of 78 years, crews participated in an estimated 100 rescues in cold Pacific Ocean waters. A new Lifeboat Station was constructed in 1927 at a more protected location near Chimney Rock. The Station was rehabilitated by the National Park Service and now serves as an educational facility. The Lifeboat Station has received National Historic Landmark status because it is the last remaining station with an operating railway system for launching vessels on the Pacific Ocean. The cemetery also contains the headstones and remains of Hinrik Claussen, his wife, and son and daughter-in-law in one fenced area. Hinrik Claussen, a Scandinavian immigrant dairyman, provided oversight for the historic Alphabet Ranches established in the late 1800s on the Point Reyes Peninsula. Mr. Claussen lived at the G Ranch, one of the first ranches to be completed in 1872. nps.gov/pore/

SACRAMENTO: 2015  Salute to Service May 25, 2015, 10 a.m.  
Firehouse Lot.  Enjoy a blend of jazz and patriotic music, historic commentary, and moving pageantry. Host: THE PUGET SOUND MACHINE (NAVY) will performs. We salute all the men and women who have served or are currently serving in our armed forces. Memorial jazz and patriotic songs will be performed, including a medley of patriotic standards and the performance of the five active duty service songs. Expect a full program of service songs and America's music. Service personnel admitted free to this set. sacmusicfest.com

SAINT HELENA: Memorial Day Ceremony May 25, 2015
St. Helena American Legion Post 199 will host a Memorial Day ceremony at 10 a.m. Monday at the St. Helena Cemetery. Mayor Alan Galbraith will speak, Boys State and Girls State representatives will read poems, and the St. Helena High School Choir will perform, led by Alba Gonzalez-Arredondo. Wreaths will be laid in honor of veterans of each war. John Sorensen will cater a barbecue after the service. On Friday and Saturday the post's 210 members will place American flags over the graves of more than 325 known veterans at the St. Helena Public Cemetery and the adjacent Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.

SAN DIEGO: Memorial Day Veterans Ceremony  May 25, 2015 2-3 p.m.
Honoring Lt Nathan Krissoff, USMC Family of Krissoff will be in attendance, including his father, Dr. William Krissoff, an orthopedic surgeon, who joined the Navy at age 61 to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan, in honor of his son. Keynote Speaker Major General Lawrence Nicholson, USMC, Commanding General, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton San Diego T-34 Performance Aircraft Flyover. soledadmemorial.com

SAN DIEGO: Memorial Day Ceremony at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery  May 25, 2015, 10-11:30 a.m.
This year the key speaker is Head of the Coast Guard here in San Diego. Navy Band and US Marine Color Guard will be there. Location: Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr San Diego, CA 92106 - See more at:

SAN FRANCISCO: Memorial Day Commemoration May 25, 2015, 10:30 a.m.
Join veterans, families, and the community to mark the 50th anniversary commemoration of American troops in Vietnam and the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. ​ Schedule of events: 10:30 am Grand March featuring the 191st Army Band Presidio Officers' Club, 50 Moraga Avenue 11 am Formal Program featuring guest speakers Rear Admiral Thomas F. Brown III & Col. Janet J. Tsao San Francisco National Cemetery at the Presidio Noon 21-Gun Salute with the U.S. Army's 75th Pacific Training Division San Francisco National Cemetery at the Presidio. presidio.gov

SAN PEDRO: USS Iowa Memorial Day Program May 25, 2015, 1 p.m.
Battleship Iowa Military Appreciation Day: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. aboard the battleship, 250 South Harbor Blvd., San Pedro. pacificbattleship.com

SAN LUIS OBISPO Veterans Remembrance Thursday, May 14, 2015 at the Veteran's Memorial in Atascadero.
Location: San Luis Cemetery, Lower Higuera St.
San Luis Obispo, CA.93401
25 Higuera Street
San Luis Obispo, CA
Time: 11 AM
 2015 POLICE MEMORIAL -- National Police Week is observed from May 10th- 16th, 2015. The purpose of National Police Week is to pay tribute to all law enforcement personnel who, on a daily basis, make our communities safer and more secure places to live. Some die in the line of duty, never to return to their homes and families. Law enforcement and criminal justice agencies from throughout the county will recognize Peace Officers' Memorial Day as a special day of honor and remembrance of those fallen law enforcement officers with a non-denominational memorial service on The service will begin at 10:00 a.m. Please join us in honoring those officers by attending the memorial service. Service begins at 10:00 a.m. Atascadero Veteran's Memorial

OAKLAND: Memorial Day Ceremony May 25, 2015 10 a.m.
Mountain View Cemetery
5000 Piedmont Avenue
Oakland, CA
94th Annual Memorial Day Commemoration honors all veterans  at the second fountain on the Main Avenue of the cemetery.  Complimentary refreshments will follow the ceremony. Docent Dennis Evanosky will lead a guided tour of the refurbished Civil War plot and other areas of notables that are buried in the cemetery. mountainviewcemetery.org

PICO RIVERA: Memorial Day Ceremony May 25, 2015, 10 a.m.
Veteran's Monument 9001 Mines Avenue Pico Rivera, CA Honor fallen members of our nation's military forces at a special ceremony at the Veteran's Monument on Mines Avenue adjacent to the Pico Rivera Mines Library. Government officials will be in attendance along with members of Pico Rivera's Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts.  pico-rivera.org

SANTA ANA: Celebrate Our Troops - Memorial Day May 25,  2015, 10:30 a.m. - 12 Noon.
Fairhaven Memorial Park's 23rd Memorial Day Remembrance & Celebration! 714-633-1442 1702 Fairhaven Avenue, Santa Ana, California 92705 fairhavenmemorial.com

SANTA BARBARA:  Memorial Day Ceremony   May 25, 2015,  10am-11am
 Santa Barbara Cemetery - 901 Channel Dr. Santa Barbara Come join us for the real reason we celebrate Memorial Day – to remember those veterans who gave the greatest sacrifice are never forgotten.” Patriotic program includes bagpipers, USMC Color Guard, Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation complimented by live music, guest speakers, a Teen Star winner, and the SB Choral Society accompanied by David Potter. For the first time, Victor Hurtado of CammoMusic.org, will bring top vocal talent from all branches of the military to our ceremony - including Lisa Pratt, Winner of Operation Rising Star (The Army's Top Talent Competition) and Sgt Vicki Golding from the DC National Guard, with more to be announced… All are welcome to join us. Seating area provided. Ceremony starts at 10 sharp and culminates with a flyover of vintage war birds doing two passes – the final one being The Missing Man.” For your comfort, please wear sunscreen or hats and comfortable shoes to traverse the cemetery grounds. Pls arrive no later than 9:45 am. Free parking. ktyd.com

SANTA CLARA: Memorial Day Weekend Military Days May 23-25, 2015 
Saturday Boomerang Bay opens. Then on Monday  salute the military with a color guard presentation and an all-you-can-eat BBQ ($15.99 plus tax). Pay tribute to our brave military service men and women. FREE park admission to active or retired United States Service men and women, including veterans, with a valid military I.D. cagreatamerica.com

SOLANA BEACH: 2015 Memorial Day Ceremony. On Monday, May 25, 2015, 11 a.m.- Noon
The City of Solana Beach and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5431 host Memorial Day Ceremony at the Veterans' Memorial at La Colonia Community Park, located at 715 Valley Ave in Solana Beach. Camp Pendleton Young Marines as Color Guard, the Santa Fe Christian School Band, Feathers from Heaven” doves, and a guest speaker  addresses the community. Information about the proposed new Veterans Honor Courtyard at La Colonia Park will be available. Light refreshments will be served. For more information: 858-720-2453. Parks & Recreation Department.     Master Sergeant Julian Gonzales will be the guest speaker, as well as Solana Beach Mayor Lesa Heebner and Randy Treadway, Post Commander for VFW Post 5431. The Santa Fe Christian School Band will perform patriotic songs.    Veterans Memorial  Honor Courtyard wall  design renderings   at La Colonia Park will be available for viewing. Docents from the Civic and Historical Society will be on hand to conduct tours of the Historical Museum. Light refreshments will be served.

SOUTH EL MONTE: Memorial Day Ceremony Monday, May 25, 2015 11 a.m.
South El Monte City Hall Front Lawn 1415 N. Santa Anita Ave. With a special ceremony featuring a 21 Gun Salute, Poem Readings, and more. City of South El Monte Community Services Department For more information please call, 626.579.2043. ci.south-el-monte.ca.us

TEHACHAPI: Memorial Day Ceremony  May 25, 2015, 11 a.m.
A guest speaker and laying of the wreaths. After the presentation, Veteran organization booths will be passing out information, and the American Legion Auxillary along with Tomo–Kahni DAR will be providing free hot dogs and drinks. Date:  Location: Philip Marx Central Park, Mojave and E Street downtown  Cost: Free. tvrpd.org

TEMECULA: Remembrance Ceremony May 25, 2015, 8:30 a.m.
Temecula Duck Pond  Remembrance of those who serve our country past and present. A small ceremony will be held at the Temecula Duck Pond with Temecula Valley Young Marines and the Temecula Valley Master Chorale participating. temeculaevents.org

TORRANCE Annual City of Torrance Armed Forces Day Parade May 16, 2015
Location: Downtown Torrance
Torrance, CA
Time: 1:30 p.m.
City Hall
Torrance, CA
 The longest continuously running military parade in the country.

VACAVILLE: Memorial Day Ceremony May 25, 2015, 11 a.m.
Vacaville-Elmira Cemetery, 522 Elmira Road. Guest speaker will be Vacaville Mayor Len Augustine and area Gold Star Mothers and Families; Blue Star Moms; Vanden High School Air Force JROTC; Tina Benedict; members of Travis Air Force Base; and 2014 Boys State and Girls State citizens who will add to the tribute of the day.  Vacaville Veterans will be opening up the Veterans Memorial Building for an Open House from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., on Saturday, May 23. The public is invited to visit the Veterans Hall for information about what the Vacaville Veterans are all about and what they do for our community. Light refreshments will be available for a small donation.

VISTA: Memorial Day Ceremony Date: 05/25/2015 10-11:30 p.m.
American Legion Post 365  Location: Vista Civic Center 200 Civic Center Drive Vista , California 92084  The American Legion Post 365 is holding a Memorial Day tribute American Heroes” at the Vista Civic Center.   cityofvista.com

WEED: Memorial Day Services  May 24, 2-4 p.m.
Living Memorial Sculpture Garden, Off Hwy 97  14 miles N of Weed, CA. Living Memorial Sculpture Memorial Day Service opens with Scottish bagpipers; followed by Marine Corps League, Siskiyou Detachment No 936; main speaker, and special music. New names to the Hot LZ Memorial Wall will be read and dedicated. Info: (530) 938-2218 or (530) 842-2477 

WEST COVINA:   Memorial Day Ceremony May 25, 2015 10 a.m.
Location: West Covina Civic Center 1444 West Garvey Avenue South West Covina, California 91790. westcovina.org

WESTLAKE VILLAGE: 25th Annual Memorial Day Service  May 25, 2015, 10:30 a.m.
Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks 5600 Lindero Cyn. Rd. Westlake Village, California 91361 

YOUNTVILLE: Yountville  Memorial Day Service, 10 a.m.
Veterans Home Cemetery. Speakers include Veterans Home Administrator Don Veverka; Coby Petersen, deputy secretary of CalVet; John Dunbar, Yountville mayor, and Dick Tiff, a Veterans Home member. Also, on Sunday, a ceremony at the George C. Yount Pioneer Cemetery on Lincoln Avenue will pay tribute to the 150th anniversary of the death of Yount and the 50th anniversary of service to the cemetery by Lee Hart. The ceremony will run from 1 to 2:30 p.m., with Congressman Mike Thompson, Assembymember Bill Dodd, Napa County Supervisor Diane Dillon and Mayor Dunbar speaking. Yountville Councilmember Marjorie Mohler is the guest speaker. There will be a black powder cannon volley by the George C. Yount Mountain Men.

YREKA:  Yreka Memorial Day Ceremony sunday, May 24, 2015, 12 Noon
Veterans Section of Evergreen Cemetery at noon on under the direction of the Siskiyou County Veterans Commission.  The public is invited to the Yreka Memorial Day ceremony which will be held in the Veterans Section of Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of the Siskiyou County Veterans Commission. Members of the Siskiyou Detachment of the Marine Corps League, County Veterans Commission, American Legion Posts and the Siskiyou Veterans Leadership Council will all be participating in this event.

UNCONFIRMED:
 
Memorial Day Ceremony
Location: St. Mary's Cemetery
4529 Howe Street
Oakland, CA
Time: 11 a.m.

Memorial Day Ceremony
Location: Mountain View Cemetery
5000Piedmont Avenue
Oakland, CA
Time: 10 a.m.
Phone: (510) 521-8302
 
PLEASANTON Memorial Day Ceremony
Location: Pleasanton Memorial Gardens Cemetery
24591 Fairview Avenue
Pleasanton, CA
Time: 11 a.m.
Phone: (510) 521-8302

SAN BERNARDINO Memorial Day/WWII Vets Recognition
Location: Sixth & "E" Streets
Pioneer Park
San Bernardino, CA
Time: 11 a.m.
San Bernardino American Legion Post 14 has sponsored his Memorial Day Event since 1921
Phone: (909) 885-4090

CLOVERDALE Memorial Day Ceremony
Location: City Plaza
Cloverdale, CA
Time: 10 AM
Phone: 707-894-4102

FRESNO  Annual Memorial Day Picnic
Location: Central Unified Aquatics Complex
3535 North Cornelia Avenue at Dakota Avenue
Fresno, CA
Time: 11
fapc.net
Fresno's First Armenian Presbyterian Church will mark Memorial Day 2012 by holding its Annual Picnic.
Phone: (559) 2376638

PERRIS Memorial Day Services
Location: Perris Valley Cemetery 915 North Perris Boulevard
Perris, CA
Time:  9 a.m.
Services held by American Legion Perris Post 595 to honor over 800 Veterans and 13 Civil War Veterans. This is the 62nd year for Post 595 to head up services.
Phone: 951 657-8704

SAN FERNANDO San Fernando Valley Memorial Day Parade
Location: Laurel Canyon Blvd and Brand Blvd.
San Fernando, CA
Time: 10   - 11:30 a.m.
(818) 667-3700

SAN DIEGO  Motorcycle Ride to Ft. Rosecrans  Location: Sport Arena Parking Lot-San Diego
3500 Sports Arena Blvd.
San Diego, CA
Time: 1200
 Ending Point
FT. Rosecarns N
Point Loma
San Diego, AL
 
BURNEY Memorial Day Ceremony
Location: Mountain View Cemetery
Burney, CA
Time: 12 noon
 Burney Veterans Honor Guard
Phone: (530)335-2392

MANTECA VFW Post 6311 and American Legion Post 249 Memorial Day
Location: 1035 N. Union Rd
Manteca, CA
Time: 10am
vfw-manteca-ca.org
 
OAKDALE  VFW Post 6311 Memorial Day
Location: 30705 Lone Tree
Oakdale, CA
Time: 1:30pm
vfw-manteca-ca.org

Escondido – 10:00 AM – Ceremony hosted by American Legion Post 149, Oak Hill Memorial Park, 2640 Glenridge Road, Escondido, CA (Contact: 760-745-1159).

JULIAN:  11:00 AM to Noon – Observance, Julian Pioneer Cemetery, A Street at Farmer Road. A potluck follows at American Legion Post 468, 2503 Washington Street, Julian, CA (Contact: 760-765-0126).

LAGUNA BEACH:  10:00 AM to Noon – Annual Memorial Day Program, Laguna Beach American Legion Post 222, Monument Point at Heisler Park, 455 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, CA (Contact Dave Connell 949-494-2065 or Richard Moore, Commander, 949-376-6340)

LA JOLLA:   2:00-3:15 PM – Ceremony, Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial, 6905 La Jolla Scenic Drive S., La Jolla, CA (Contact: 858-459-2314 or www.soledadmemorial.com).

LAKESIDE: Ceremony May 25, 2015 11 a.m. - Noon
War Memorial Building, 12650 Lindo Lane, Lakeside, CA (Contact Steven Williams, VFW Post 5867  (619) 922-0330

Lancaster – 10 AM – Ceremony, Joshua Memorial Park and Cemetery, 808 East Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster, CA (Contact 661-942-8125).

Los Angeles – 11:00 AM to Noon – Evergreen Cemetery, 204 N. Evergreen Avenue, Los Angeles, CA (Contact Jerry Yamamoto, Nisei Veterans Coordinating Council – 310-539-5542).

Los Angeles – 10:30 AM – Ceremony, Los Angeles National Cemetery, 950 E. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA (Contact: 310-268-4675).

Monrovia – 11:00 AM – Celebration, Arcadia Park, 200 E. Duarte Road, Monrovia, CA (Contact: 626-359-5311).

Ojai – 12:00 Noon – Ceremony and Wall of Remembrance, Libbey Park, 205 E. Ojai Avenue, Ojai, CA (Contact 805-646-5581).

Point Loma – 8:45 AM, Day of Remembrance Ceremony, Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, Point Loma, CA (Contact: 619-553-2084, ext. 4000).

Ramona – 10:00 AM – Ceremony, Sponsored by VFW, Nuevo Memory Gardens, 532 Ash St., Ramona, CA (Contact: 760-789-7888).

Rancho Bernardo – 10:45 AM – Flag ceremony hosted by Rancho Bernardo Veterans Memorial Association, with the Camp Pendleton Honor Guard, Webb Park, on Avena Place off Bernardo Center Drive, Rancho Bernardo, CA (Contact: 858-674-1711).

Redondo Beach – 1:00 PM – Ceremony/BBQ, 309 The Esplanade, Redondo Beach, CA (Contact 310-993-4637).

San Diego – 7:30 AM – Remembrance Ceremony, Balboa Park, 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA.

San Diego – 1:00 PM - Ceremony, El Camino Memorial Park, 5600 Carroll Canyon Road, San Diego, CA (Contact: 800-352-2646).

San Diego – 8:00 AM to Dusk – San Diego Veterans for Peace, Hugh Thompson Memorial Chapter, will host an Arlington West Memorial at the USS Midway Museum Lawn at Broadway and Harbor Drive. The public is invited to assist with the placement of religious symbols and candles. Names of the fallen in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars will be read. (Contact 858-342-1964).

San Diego – 7:30 – 10:00 AM, Ceremony, The Veterans Museum and Memorial Center, Balboa Park, 2115 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA (Contact: 619-239-2300 or 619-239-5977).

San Marcos – 11:00 AM – Service hosted by VFW Post 3795, San Marcos Cemetery, 1021 Mulberry Drive. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be served afterward at the VFW Post, 212 Mission Road, San Marcos, CA (Contact: 760-744-3795).

Santa Ana – 10:00 AM - Noon – Ceremony, Tri-City (Orange, Santa Ana and Tustin) Annual Memorial Day Services, Grand Army of the Republic Soldier's Monument, Old Santa Ana Cemetery, 1919 E. Santa Clara Avenue, Santa Ana, CA. BBQ to follow at Santa Ana Veteran Hall, 1404 N. Grand Ave., Santa Ana, CA (Contact Charles Beal 714-777-1013 or Scott McKee at 714-325-7072).

Simi Valley – 10:00 AM – Commemoration, City of Simi Valley, VFW Post 10049, Pioneer Cemetery, Royal and Thompson Avenues, Simi Valley (Contact Matt Valenzuela 310-308-7015 or mattval@aol.com ).

Solana Beach – 11:00 AM to Noon – Ceremony hosted by the City and VFW Post 5431, Veterans Memorial in La Colonia Community Park, 714 Valley Avenue, Solana Beach, CA (Contact: 858-720-2400).

TEHACHAPI: 9 a.m.  - 3:00 PM (Parade starts at 9:00; Ceremony starts at 10:15) Ceremony, The American Legion, Auxiliary and VFW, 125 East F” Street, Tehachapi, CA (Contact Norm Clendenin AL 221 Post Commander at 661-822-1014).

VENTURA: 10 a.m.  Ceremony, Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Valentine Road, Ventura, CA (Contact 805-642-1055).

VICTORVILLE 9-10 a.m.  Ceremony, Victor Valley Memorial Park, 17150 C St., Victorville, CA 92395 (Contact Lance Kruse at carol.lance56@gmail.com)

Whittier – 11:00 AM to Noon – Ceremony, Rose Hills Memorial Park, 3888 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA (Contact 562-699-0921).

Yorba Linda – 2:00 – 3:30 PM – Memorial Service, Veterans Park, Yorba Linda Blvd and Valley View, Yorba Linda, CA (Contact Clay Baxter, Commander, at C-YBAXTER@COX.NET)

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