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Memorial Day Commemoration

Next date: Monday, May 27, 2024 | 11:00 AM to 01:00 PM

Lakewood residents are invited to join in the city’s annual tribute to the men and women who have sacrificed their lives while serving in the United States armed forces, as well as to honor the members of local veterans organizations who have died during the past year.

The Memorial Day ceremony will take place on Monday, May 27 at 11 a.m. at the Lakewood Veterans Memorial Plaza at Del Valle Park, located at Woodruff Avenue and Henrilee Street.

The keynote speaker this year will be Executive Officer Commander Jesse Alvarez.

Commander Jesse Alvarez serves as Executive Officer at Naval Surface Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD). He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with 22 years of service, including in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The nationally recognized Lakewood High School Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps will present our nation’s ﬂag and the Golden Sands Chorus will provide a musical tribute. A stirring performance of “Taps” will be performed live, along with a bagpiper playing “Amazing Grace” as the ceremony concludes.

The reading of Dennis Lander’s poem, “The Boys of Del Valle Park,” will be done by Jorge Ferree, a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Iraq War who served there alongside Dennis' son Richard. Jorge is a Los Angeles County Firefighter Paramedic.

The event is sponsored by the City of Lakewood in conjunction with American Legion Post 496, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 19 and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 756.

Parking will be available around the park, with disabled parking on the Woodruff Avenue service road immediately adjacent to the memorial. Neighboring residents are encouraged to walk to the park.

In addition to a large tent with chairs, there is ample space for guests to bring their own lawn chairs.