Hey, I’ve got a crazy idea for you regarding the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. Take a little time out of your busy three-day schedule to honor and pay tribute to the men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of your freedoms! Memorial Day, an American holiday observed on the last Monday of May, honors men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.
The Memorial Day three-day weekend signifies the unofficial launch of my favorite season, Summer. It’s also the weekend scores of folks will fire up the family barbeque for the first time this year. What could be better than chips, beer, burgers and hanging with good friends? Answer: How about attending one of the many local celebrations and paying tribute to those throughout our history who have selflessly given their lives in past conflicts. I understand how easy it is to get caught up in the festivities of holidays without giving a thought to the actual purpose of the celebrated day. I attend the observance in Redondo Beach’s Veterans Park every Memorial Day, and I can honestly report that the ceremony is heartfelt, emotional, insightful and most of all inspiring.
South Bay residents will honor those who have died in service to their country as well as current and former members of the military at several events over the Memorial Day weekend. Here’s a community-by-community rundown of local activities. I’m sure I have unintentionally omitted some cities hosting celebrations. My apologies.
INGLEWOOD: Inglewood will host its 61st annual Memorial Day celebration at 11 a.m. Monday at the Memorial Obelisk Monument at City Hall, 1 Manchester Blvd. All are invited to the free event, which celebrates the lives of war heroes from the community and pays tribute to those currently in the armed forces
LAWNDALE: The city of Lawndale pays tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives in service to the country at a Memorial Day breakfast at 9 a.m. Monday at the City Hall Memorial Wall, 14717 S. Burin Ave. Reservations are required. Due to limited seating, only the first 80 can be admitted.
REDONDO BEACH: The city of Redondo Beach invites South Bay veterans and residents to its 2014 Memorial Day ceremony from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Veterans Park band shell adjacent to the Redondo Beach pier at Catalina Avenue and Torrance Boulevard. The ceremony will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at 124 Sapphire St. and will feature distinguished speakers, a bagpipe player, harpist, bugler and color guard. Refreshments will be served. Attendees are invited to bring a dish to share and/or flowers to place around the memorial. For more information, call 310-540-6044 or go to www.emptychair.org.
RANCHO PALOS VERDES: More than 5,000 people are expected to participate in the 24th annual Memorial Day Observance at Green Hills Memorial Park from 10 a.m. to noon Monday. The entire community is invited to participate in this year’s free observance. Green Hills Memorial Park is at 27501 S. Western Ave. in Rancho Palos Verdes. Call 310-521-4460 for more details.
TORRANCE: Sen. Jenny Oropeza, whose district covers Torrance, will honor local residents who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive. The families of those killed while serving in the U.S. military will be presented with California flags that have flown over the state Capitol.
WESTCHESTER: The Westchester Elks Lodge will observe the day with a ceremony at the Westchester Elks Lodge, 8025 W. Manchester Blvd. with a ceremony at 7:30 p.m. Monday.
