Orange County remembers those who gave their lives defending the United States this Memorial Day weekend through a series of flag raises and other ceremonies.
The aim of the holiday tradition is paying tribute to the nearly 650,000 people who’ve died in battle since the country was founded, along with an additional 539,000 servicemen and servicewomen killed by non-combat incidents.
Originally called Decoration Day due to early traditions of decorating fallen soldiers’ graves, the holiday has origins in the aftermath of the Civil War that ended in 1865.
Memorial Day weekend was born in 1968 following the passage of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established the holiday as the last Monday in May in order to create a three-day weekend.
While there’s numerous national and state veterans cemeteries throughout California, Orange County still lacks one – but some progress has been made, with officials choosing a site in Anaheim’s Gypsum Canyon off the 91 freeway.
Here are some events across the county to honor the fallen on Monday, May 27.
North Orange County
Memorial Day Program – Anaheim
Attend a Memorial Day program at Anaheim Cemetery.
Staff recommend that attendees bring their own lawn chair, as seating is limited.
When: 11:00 a.m.
Where: 1400 East Sycamore St, Anaheim, CA 92805
Cost: Free
For more details, contact cemetery manager Julio Amarillas at (714) 535-4928
Avenue of Flags – Brea
Walk the “Avenue of Flags” at Memory Garden Memorial Park & Mortuary in Brea. Each Memorial Day, over 1,000 full size burial flags are flown in the memorial park.
When: 8:00 a.m.
Where: 455 W. Central Ave, Brea, CA 92821
Cost: Free
For more details, contact (714) 529-3961
Memorial Day Ceremony at Nixon Presidential Library
Attend a Memorial Day ceremony at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum. The ceremony will include a formal presentation of colors, keynote speaker Juan Carlos Hernandez, an Afghanistan War veteran, and music performances.
The event is free, but does not include admission to the Nixon Library museum galleries.
Registration for the event is encouraged.
When: 10:15 a.m.
Where: 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd, Yorba Linda, CA, 92886
Cost: Free
For more details, contact Anne Brown at (714) 993-5075
Central Orange County
Memorial Day Program – Santa Ana
Attend a Memorial Day program at the Santa Ana Cemetery. The event will occur by the Soldier’s Monument near the Santa Clara Ave. entrance.
When: 10:00 a.m.
Where: 1919 E. Santa Clara Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Cost: Free
For more details, contact cemetery manager Julio Amarillas at (714) 535-4928
Flag Raising Ceremony – Fountain Valley
Join the City of Fountain Valley and the West Orange County Veterans of Foreign Affairs Post #9557 and Auxiliary in a Memorial Day flag raising ceremony at Veterans Park.
When: 10:00 a.m.
Where: 17635 Los Alamos St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Cost: Free
For more details, call (714) 916-9947
Memorial Day Ceremony – Costa Mesa
Attend the 68th annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park.
The ceremony includes a USAF aerial flyover, military band recital, wreath laying ceremony and speeches.
When: 11:00 a.m.
Where: 1625 Gisler Ave, Costa Mesa, CA
Cost: Free
For more details, call (714) 540-5554
South Orange County
Memorial Day Ceremony – Mission Viejo
Attend a Memorial Day Ceremony including guest speakers, rifle salute, color guard, live vocal performance and taps at the Kershaw Garden in Mission Viejo.
Banners honoring American soldiers who have lost their lives in combat in Afghanistan and Iraq will be displayed in the garden and civic center. They will remain on display until June 1.
The eternal flame will be lit in remembrance of the fallen and in recognition of prisoners of war and those missing in action. Attendees will receive a candle at the end of the ceremony and will be invited to place it around the eternal flame memorial in remembrance of another.
When: 8:30 a.m.
Where: 200 Civic Center, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Cost: Free
For more details, contact (949) 470-3061
Memorial Day Observance – San Clemente
Join community leaders in commemorating fallen veterans for Memorial Day at the San Clemente Community Center. The event features a keynote speaker, live music, the posting of the colors, and taps bugler.
Seating is limited. The city recommends early arrival to ensure time for parking.
When: 11:00 a.m.
Where: 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, CA 92672
Cost: Free
For more details, call (949) 361-8264
Memorial Day Ceremony – Dana Point
Join the Dana Point Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #9934 and the City of Dana Point in a solemn ceremony honoring fallen military personnel.
When: 10:00 a.m.
Where: 34941 Camino Capistrano, Dana Point, CA 92624
Cost: Free
For more details, call (949) 248-7696
If you know of a free public agency event that the Voice of OC should be aware of, send an email to etaylor@voiceofoc.org
For more events, please refer to the Voice of OC Calendar.