SeeCalifornia.com

Pictured: Newport Beach Field of Honor offers an annual tribute (May 17-27, 2019) produced by the Exchange Club of Newport Harbor. Another spectacular Field of Honor tribute takes place at Glendale’s Field of Honor (May 18-27) at Forest Lawn.

Millions of Californians take time during Memorial Day (the last Monday in May) and days leading up to it to honor people, deeds and things. Usually considered the launch of summer season, many of the nation’s college grads have already walked with cap and gown to receive diplomas in front of large audiences of families and friends. Some begin new jobs, others move back home to regroup and yet other grads hit the road to see the world before they embark on careers.

While Memorial Day is a federal holiday designated for honoring persons who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces, cemeteries see peak attendance on this special day as loved ones visit the graves of their departed parents, children, siblings, grandparents and friends, or even pets.

Dedications and ceremonies in California range from military museums such as USS Hornet in Alameda and USS Iowa Memorial Day Tribute in San Pedro to a ship attraction, Queen Mary’s Salute to Service, which transported troops during WWII.

One of the largest such celebrations takes place at USS Midway Museum in an event billed as the heart and soul of Memorial Day commemoration in San Diego. Legacy Week (May 24-28) begins with the annual Freedom Concert featuring rock band Daughtry on board the Midway. Proceeds from tickets sold to this event benefit three organizations providing services to military families, veterans and first responders: STEP (Support The Enlisted Project), Zero8Hundred, and the San Diego Harbor Police Foundation.