Communities across Los Angeles and Orange counties are preparing to mark Memorial Day on Monday with a series of solemn observances and public commemorations. From the unveiling of new memorial plaques to the reading of thousands of names, the region will join the nation in honoring those who died in service to the United States.
In Long Beach, the Honoring Our Fallen Memorial Wall will serve as a focal point for remembrance. Laura Herzog, founder and CEO of the organization, announced that new plates will be dedicated to individuals who served in conflicts ranging from World War I to the Global War on Terrorism, as well as first responders and those who died from suicide. The site will also host a reading of nearly 7,000 names of Americans lost in combat and training since the 9/11 attacks, a process expected to span from 5:45 a.m. To approximately 1 p.m.
Did You Know?
Memorial Day originated as “Decoration Day” on May 30, 1868. The date was established by Maj. Gen. John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, and it is believed the day was chosen because flowers would be in bloom across the nation to decorate the graves of Civil War soldiers.
Beyond the Long Beach event, various ceremonies and parades are scheduled throughout the region. In Los Angeles County, the 34th Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade will step off at 11 a.m. Under the theme “Saluting the Price of Freedom,” while the La Cañada Flintridge parade, themed “America 250 Red, White & Blue,” will also begin at 11 a.m. Religious and civic observances are planned at Forest Lawn memorial parks and the San Fernando Mission Cemetery, where Archbishop José H. Gomez is scheduled to celebrate an outdoor Mass.
Orange County will see a wide array of morning ceremonies, with events scheduled in cities including Mission Viejo, La Palma, Fullerton, Dana Point, Fountain Valley, Irvine, Yorba Linda, Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Lake Forest, and San Clemente. These local events are expected to draw veterans, Gold Star families, and community members looking to pay their respects.
Expert Insight:
The transition of Memorial Day from a specific date—May 30—to the last Monday in May under the 1971 Uniform Monday Holiday Act reflects a broader societal shift in how we balance historical commemoration with modern civic life. While the calendar has changed, the persistent focus on the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. Suggests a continuing effort to anchor the holiday in its original, solemn purpose.
National Observance and Context
President Donald Trump has issued a proclamation designating Monday as a day of prayer for permanent peace, encouraging citizens to unite in prayer at 11 a.m. In each time zone. The proclamation also directs that flags be flown at half-staff until noon across all government buildings and naval vessels. Americans are further encouraged to observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m., a practice established by federal law in 2000 to help refocus the holiday on honoring the fallen.
Looking ahead, these public ceremonies may serve as a baseline for future efforts to expand the recognition of fallen service members. As new names are added to regional memorials, organizations like Honoring Our Fallen are likely to continue their work in supporting the families left behind, potentially increasing the visibility of these local memorial walls in the years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the new memorial plates in Long Beach?
The new plates are intended to honor individuals who died in major conflicts including World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield, and the Global War on Terrorism, as well as first responders and those who died from suicide.
How can families participate in the remembrance at Rosie the Riveter Park?
Family and friends can participate in the reading of names and are provided with special paper and charcoal pencils to make rubbings of their loved ones’ names from the memorial wall to take home.
When did Memorial Day become an official federal holiday?
While the term “Memorial Day” was first used in 1882, it was declared the official name by federal law in 1967. It has been observed on the last Monday in May since 1971.
How do you plan to observe the National Moment of Remembrance this year?
