A time to honor and remember

What started out as “Decoration Day” in post-Civil War America is now a national holiday—and a time to reflect on those who, in Lincoln’s words, “gave the last full measure of devotion” to the cause of preserving and protecting the United States.

Here are some of this year’s Memorial Day observances in and around the 3^rd District:

• “Honor and Remembrance,” a program at the L.A. National Cemetery, will feature retired Army Major General John T. Crowe as keynote speaker and David James Elliott, of TV’s “JAG,” as master of ceremony, along with celebrity readers including Gerald McRaney. A band begins playing at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 30, with the ceremony getting underway at 10:30 a.m. The cemetery is located at 950 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, 90049.
• Forest Lawn will feature patriotic programs in many locations, including at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills. The free program, in the forecourt of the “Birth of Liberty,” begins at 10 a.m. Monday.
• Canoga Park’s Memorial Day Parade starts at 11 a.m. Monday. It will feature military marching and equestrian units, brass bands, floats, guest VIPs, classic and antique cars, local youth groups and even military aircraft flyovers. After the procession, Quimby Park hosts a festival with music, food and vendors.

For a look at Memorial Day observances around the county, here is a list compiled by the county’s Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

Posted 5/26/11