Southland Residents Honor Veterans During Memorial Day Observances
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Dozens of Memorial Day observances will be held across the Southland Monday.
The following events will be held to honor veterans:
— Long Beach: "Honoring Our Fallen -- Memorial Wall" at Rose Riveter Park
— Whittier: 96th annual Memorial Day observance at Rose Hills Memorial Park
— Rancho Palos Verdes: 90-minute program held at Green Hills Memorial Park
— Brentwood: Sixth annual 5K Walk for Warriors at the VA West Los Angeles Medical Center Campus -- benefits New Directions for Veterans, which provides services to hundreds of Los Angeles County's homeless veterans, those at risk of homelessness and their families.
— Sylmar: Monument honoring five Civil War veterans who are buried at the Pioneer Memorial Cemetery
— Inglewood: 68th annual Memorial Day service at Inglewood City Hall
— Pico Rivera: Memorial Day ceremony at the city's Veterans Monument to honor Korean War veterans.
— Canoga Park: 27th annual Memorial Day parade -- Sherman Way and Owensmouth Avenue
Mayor Eric Garcetti released a written statement regarding the holiday, which reads as follows: "Today, we remember the brave men and women whose lives were lost in service to our country. America's veterans fought for our right to speak freely, practice the religion of our choice, and love whomever we choose. Memorial Day isn't just about marking history; it demands that we make history by stepping up to support our brothers and sisters who are still struggling with mental and physical health challenges, sleeping on our streets, and worrying about their next paycheck. Today, let us commit to restoring hope for those who fought to preserve our freedom."
The term Memorial Day was first used in 1882. It became more common after World War II and was declared the official name by federal law in 1967.
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