Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed on the last Monday in May, a tradition that traces its roots to the years after the Civil War and honors Union soldiers who sacrificed their lives to end slavery.
Over the years, it evolved into a broader memorial to all those who have lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military. Memorial Day also marks the unofficial start of summer, often with barbecues and other festivities.
Here is a list of some Memorial Day events scheduled for Monday in and around Los Angeles.
West Los Angeles Memorial Day Ceremony
The Department of Veterans Affairs will host a public Memorial Day ceremony from 10 to 11 a.m. at Los Angeles National Cemetery, 950 S. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles Fleet Week in San Pedro
A series of Los Angeles Fleet Week events will take place throughout the weekend and Monday, including a Memorial Day evening event at the USS Iowa Main Exhibition Grounds, 250 Southport Blvd., San Pedro. The program includes active ship tours, band performances, military demonstrations and flyovers.
MVP Los Angeles Annual Walk Commemorates From Santa Monica to West Los Angeles
Merging Vets and Players, a peer support group that brings veterans and former professional athletes together, will lead a walk from the Santa Monica Pier to Los Angeles National Cemetery (approximately 4.8 miles) prior to the scheduled ceremony, including Lectures and entertainment. Attendees are expected to gather at the cannon on the Santa Monica Pier and the walk will begin at 7:15 a.m.
Memorial Day at the Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
A ceremony will be held Monday from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Simi Valley Library, with live music. The program included a flyover, color guard, live music and messages from Gold Star Family member Tony Cordero and Ventura County Naval Base Commander Robert Kinnack III.
Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade
The 32nd Annual Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade will be held along Sherman Road from Owensmouth Avenue to Coatescroft Avenue in the San Fernando Valley. There will be an opening ceremony at 10 a.m., followed by a parade at 11 a.m.
Garden Grove Strawberry Festival
The final day of the 64th Annual Garden Grove Strawberry Festival will be held Monday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the Village Green between Euclid and Main streets in downtown Garden Grove, featuring carnival rides, food and live entertainment music.
Fiesta Hermosa in Hermosa Beach
The annual Fiesta Hermosa weekend festival continues Monday with a carnival, beach concerts, food fairs and hundreds of vendors lining the intersection of Hermosa Avenue and Pier Avenue. Events in Hermosa Beach will take place throughout the day. Most areas of the festival are free and open to the public.
Topangaz Country Market
Bohemian festival in picturesque Topanga Canyon is filled with food, music and a Memorial Day parade. The parade will take place from approximately 8:30 am to 10 am.
Carnival Day in Flintridge, Canada
Monday’s Carnival Day schedule at La Cañada Flintridge will include a memorial service at 9 a.m. and a parade at 10:30 a.m., followed by games, food and music in Memorial Park. 1301 Foothill Avenue.
San Fernando Valley Greek Festival
The 48th annual celebration of Greek culture, dance, food and music will be held at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church (9501 Balboa Blvd., Northridge) from noon to 9 p.m.
Los Angeles County Fair—Stars and Stripes and Fun
The show is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online in advance; concerts are a separate fee. The event is held at the Fairplex located at 1101 W. McKinley Ave. in Pomona.
