The Memorial Day weekend is upon us, and with it the unofficial start to summer. While there is sure to be plenty of sun throughout the Southern California weekend, low-lying marine layers in recent weeks suggest warm clothes would be prudent, especially in the morning.
San Diego
Fort Rosecrans Memorial Day Celebration in Point Loma
May 25, 9 a.m.Gold Star families host the fourth annual “Bouquet Ride,” a family bike ride where participants carry flowers on their bikes to Fort Rosecrans in honor of Cpl. Gregory Millard (a.k.a. Shortie). Flowers will be laid at his grave at the national cemetery. The ride will take about an hour to complete. Riders will meet at 7:30 a.m. and head out at 9 a.m.
May 27, 10 a.m.
Fort Rosecrans remembers military members who died while serving the nation at its annual Memorial Day ceremony.
Miramar National Cemetery Veterans Memorial Service
May 26, 1 p.m.The Miramar National Cemetery Amphitheater offers a free service to honor and remember D-Day ahead of its 80th anniversary, as well as those who made the ultimate sacrifice. More than 30,000 veterans and their families are interred at Miramar National Cemetery.
Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial
May 27, 2 p.m.Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial will hold its ceremony honoring the 3rd Battalion 5th Marines Darkhorse amid its picturesque views, as well as all veterans from the Revolutionary War to the war on terror.
Orange County
Dana Point
May 27, 10 a.m.
Dana Point will host a traditional Memorial Day ceremony at Pine Park with guest speakers, a memorial wreath presentation, rifle salute, and benediction.
Irvine Memorial Day
May 27, 10 a.mIrvine’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony will be held at the Formal Garden at Col. Bill Barber Marine Corps Park, and will feature guest speakers and vocal performances.
Los Angeles
Walk To Remember
May 27, 7 a.m.The Annual Walk to Remember begins at the Santa Monica Pier (by the cannon) and ends at the L.A. National Cemetery just in time for the annual ceremony there. The 4.8 mile walk through the city is stroller and wagon friendly, and light traffic is expected along the planned route. The group will sing the national anthem at 7 a.m. before beginning the walk at 7:15 a.m. sharp.
The Hollywood Memorial Day Celebration
May 27, 11 a.m.The Hollywood Memorial Day Celebration (hosted by the Church of Scientology) features bouncy houses, a waterslide, and water games alongside a doughnut-eating contest. A patriotic Americana concert will pump out classic tunes, and a special acknowledgment will express gratitude for the service and sacrifice of veterans.
Los Angeles Fleet Week
May 22 to May 27Los Angeles Fleet Week takes place in San Pedro over the weekend. Celebrated as “Southern California’s largest Memorial Day event,” this free gathering happens annually on the L.A. Waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles.
Riverside County
Corona Memorial Mile March
May 25, 8 a.m.The Corona Chamber Foundation’s annual Memorial Mile March begins at the chamber office and is free to the public. After an opening ceremony, participants head over to the historic Civic Center to place American flags in the ground to form the letters “USA.”
