Orange County cities are paying tribute to those who gave their lives defending the U.S. this Memorial Day through ceremonies, flag displays, reenactments and live music performances.
The holiday tradition honors over 650,000 members of the armed services who’ve died in battle since the U.S. was founded. The Memorial Day holiday has origins in the 1860s and was originally called Decoration Day due to early traditions of decorating fallen soldiers’ graves following the Civil War.
Memorial Day weekend was officially named in 1968 following the passage of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, establishing the holiday as the last Monday in May.
Nick Berardino, a combat Marine from the Vietnam War, said he’ll be speaking at an event hosted by the American Legion Post 291 on Memorial Day.
“There’s no greater sacrifice any human being can make than giving their lives for their country. For us to salute that is an honor and a privilege,” he said in a phone interview. “I want to do my part, not only to honor those who have fallen, but to keep in the minds of our community that their sacrifices made our country free and maintain our democratic principles.”
Berardino is also president of the Veterans Alliance of Orange County.
“Regardless of where you live geographically, regardless of your political party, we are one country,” he said. “Coming together as one country through a variety of government organizations and nonprofits is a message that demonstrates support and provides encouragement for our future.”
Beradino said Memorial Day isn’t about a day off work – it’s a solemn moment so people can honor the country’s fallen.
“It’s not about going to the beach or starting your summer activities or enjoying a three-day weekend,” he said. “It’s about those precious lives that were sacrificed for our freedom. My message is to stop for just 30 seconds, look up to the sky, and with warm hearts and souls, say: ‘Thank you.’”
Here are some ways to honor fallen service members today.
North Orange County
Yorba Linda
Honor veterans at a ceremony at the Veterans Memorial in Veterans Park. The event is expected to feature a color guard, music performances and a Gold Star Roll Call and the playing of “Taps.”
The keynote speaker for this event will be former U.S. Army Corporal Noria Uyematsu, a 95-year-old Korean War veteran. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.
When: May 25, 2 p.m.
Where: 4766 Valley View Ave., Yorba Linda, CA 92886
Cost: Free
For more details, contact Wayne R. Scott, President, Yorba Linda Veterans Memorial Association at wrscott@outlook.com.
Anaheim
Attend a ceremony at the Anaheim Cemetery put on by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3173 and American Legion Post 72. The program, held at the Community Mausoleum, includes
a flag ceremony, guest speakers and wreath presentations.
Following the program, American Legion Post 72 will be hosting a lunch reception at their
Post. Attendees are asked to bring their own lawn chairs for seating.
When: May 25, 11 a.m.
Where: 1400 East Sycamore St., Anaheim, CA 92805
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the cemetery at (714) 535-4928.
Fullerton
The City of Fullerton is set to commemorate Memorial Day with the 88th annual Avenue of Flags and a commemorative ceremony at Loma Vista Memorial Park that’s expected to feature patriotic music and speeches to pay respects to service members.
When: May 25, 10 a.m.
Where: Loma Vista Memorial Park, 701 E. Bastanchury Road, Fullerton 92835
Cost: Free
For more details, contact Loma Vista Memorial Park at (714) 525-1575.
La Palma
Remember fallen members of the armed forces alongside City of La Palma officials and community members for its long-standing Memorial Day ceremony at Civic Center Plaza.
Walker Street will be closed to traffic starting at 8:45 a.m. and will remain closed until the conclusion of the ceremony. The closure will be from Thelma Avenue to La Palma Avenue. Parking is available at the Central Park Parking Lot at 7821 Walker St. and the Civic Center parking lot.
When: May 25, 9 a.m.
Where: La Palma Civic Center, 7822 Walker St., La Palma, CA 90623
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Community Center at (714) 690-3350 or email recreation@lapalmaca.gov.
Buena Park
Honor those who have sacrificed and who are currently serving at a ceremony at the Ehlers Event Center. The event, hosted in front of the Veterans Memorial, includes a guest speaker, singers and a wreath ceremony.
When: May 25, 10 a.m.
Where: Ehlers Event Center, 8150 Knott Ave., Buena Park, CA 90620
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Community Services Department at (714) 562-3860 or email seniors@buenapark.com.
Central Orange County
Fountain Valley
West Orange County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and Auxiliary 9557 and the City of Fountain Valley will host a ceremony honoring fallen armed forces members.
When: May 25, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: 17635 Los Alamos St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Cost: Free
For more details, contact Community Services Supervisor Ben Deiterle at dieterle@fountainvalley.gov or call (714) 593-4446.
Santa Ana Cemetery
The Santa Ana Cemetery will be hosting a ceremony commemorating the United States Semiquincentennial – America’s 250th anniversary – and the 35th anniversary of the Persian Gulf war. A keynote address will be given by a General George Washington reenactor.
The ceremony is expected to include a color guard, music, a parade of flags, wreath presentations and poetry readings.
When: May 25, 10 a.m.
Where: 1919 E. Santa Clara Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92705
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Orange County Cemetery District at (949) 951-9102.
Costa Mesa
Attend the 72nd annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park.
The ceremony includes live music, bagpipe performances, a dove release, aerial flyovers, speeches and a wreath laying ceremony. This year’s program will also feature remarks from retired Command Sergeant Major Gary Littrell of the U.S. Army, who was awarded the Medal of Honor after his service as part of a four-day siege on his battalion in the Vietnam War.
When: May 25, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: 1625 Gisler Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Cost: Free
For more details, contact Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park at (714) 540-5554.
Tustin
Honor the sacrifices of armed service members during a remembrance event at the Veterans Monument at Veterans Sports Park. The ceremony will include a reading of the names of Tustin’s killed in action or missing in action service members, the unveiling of new Veterans Pavers at the monument, speeches and a 21-gun salute.
When: May 25, 9 a.m.
Where: 1645 Valencia Ave., Tustin, CA 92782
Cost: Free
For more details, call (714) 426-2450 or email MGarcia@TustinCA.org.
Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary
The Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary is hosting a 250 Years of Freedom Memorial Day service that’s expected to feature military speakers, an honor guard, an aerial flyover and live music.
The event will begin with a musical prelude performed by the OC Concert Band, followed by an invocation from Chaplain George Fessler. It will conclude with a wreath laying presented by Orange Elks Lodge 1475, a dove release, a solemn moment of silence, a rifle salute by the OC Sheriff Honor Guard, the playing of “Taps” and a finale performance of “Stars & Stripes Forever” by the OC Concert Band.
When: May 25, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary, 1702 Fairhaven Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary at (714) 633-1442
Coastal Orange County
Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach will host their annual Memorial Day event with The American Legion Post 133 to honor service members at the Pier Plaza.
The event is expected to feature a rifle salute, a presentation of the POW/MIA banner, the playing of “Taps” and a performance from the Huntington Beach High School band.
When: May 25, 11 a.m.
Where: Hunting Beach Pier Plaza
Cost: Free
For more details, contact Dennis Bauer at (714) 536-3855.
Laguna Beach
Enjoy listening to a Memorial Day concert by the Laguna Community Concert Band and Jazz Band on the cobblestones at Main Beach. The band is expected to play patriotic songs like the “Star Spangled Banner,” “America the Beautiful” and “Stars and Stripes Forever.”
When: May 25, 11 a.m.
Where: Main Beach, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Cost: Free
For more details, contact Jennifer Baker at (949) 290-1556 or Jenniferm.baker@verizon.net.
Newport Beach
Attend a ceremony at Castaways Park in Newport Beach, where over 1,700 American flags saluting fallen service members will be on display. The ceremony features a keynote speaker.
When: May 25, 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Castaways Park, Dover Dr. and 16th St., Newport Beach, CA, 92660
Cost: Free
For more details, contact exchangeclubofnewportharbor.org.
San Clemente
Join the City of San Clemente and community members on the Community Center lawn for a ceremony honoring residents of all area veterans and service members who have passed away over the past year.
When: May 25, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: San Clemente Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville, San Clemente, CA 92672
Cost: Free
For more details, contact City of San Clemente’s Recreation Division at (949) 361-8264 or recreation@san-clemente.org.
South Orange County
Irvine
Join the City of Irvine for a Memorial Day ceremony at Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park. The ceremony features military tributes and a guest speaker.
When: May 25, 10 a.m.
Where: Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park, 4 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine, CA 92606
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the city at (949) 724-6715.
San Juan Capistrano
View a display of over 400 American flags in the courtyard at Mission San Juan Capistrano.
Admission to the Mission is free for active members of the military, veterans and first responders. General admission is $18 for adults and free for mission members.
When: May 25, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 26801 Old Mission Rd., San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Cost: Free for active members of the military, veterans, first responders and mission members.
For more details, contact Mission representatives at (949) 234-1300.
El Toro Memorial Park
Remember the fallen at a community ceremony at El Toro Memorial Park.
The program features a keynote speaker, combined color guard, a wreath presentation and an honor guard firing salute presented by the VFW Post 6024 Rifle Team. The ceremony will also feature music performed by the Saddleback Valley Master Chorale, a bagpipe performance of “Amazing Grace” and bugle performance of “Taps.”
El Toro’s program will be held towards the rear of the park.
When: May 25, 11 a.m.
Where: 25751 Trabuco Rd., Lake Forest,CA 92630
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 951-9102.
Mission Viejo
Visit the Kershaw Garden in Mission Viejo’s Civic Center for a ceremony honoring those that served. Light refreshments will be provided after the ceremony.
When: May 25, 8:30 a.m.
Where: The Kershaw Garden, 200 Civic Center, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Cost: Free
For more details, contact Mission Viejo Recreation & Community Services at 949-470-3061.