Powerful Memorial Day Observances

Memorial Day has always been special to me. First, my birthday is on May 30 – the true Memorial Day before Congress declared that the last Monday in May would be commemorated as Memorial Day.

My son, Danny, is in the Air Force and thankfully is not a “remembered” soldier on Memorial Day; however, he was stationed in Afghanistan for a number of months and experienced things that he has yet to share with his mom. I’m sure that Memorial Day is a special day for him, too.

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance, a day when the country should come together to remember those who gave their lives for the freedoms enjoyed in America. I understand that for many the meaning of the day is lost among barbecues and family get-togethers; however, thankfully there have been commemorations throughout the area over the years and there will be others this year as well.

In years past, the Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce would host a Memorial Day ceremony on Honolulu Avenue as would the American Legion and VFW at Two Strike Park. A commemoration would kick off Memorial Day activities at Memorial Park in La Cañada as part of Fiesta Days and the City of Glendale and Forest Lawn both had remembrance events. Of course, COVID-19 curtailed those events in 2020; some events are being held in person this year while others are being held virtually due to the pandemic.

Our cover story this week digs a little deeper into the experiences of soldiers and shares some of their memories, some of which have rarely been told. Our story will also let you know where some of this year’s commemorations are being held and how to access them.

We at CV Weekly consider it a privilege to share these stories with our readers and hope it encourages you to take the time to honor those who fought for us all.

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         It is with a heart full of gratitude that I take a minute to thank those who have given CV Weekly the encouragement and help it has needed over the years: Julie Butcher, Rev. Beverly Craig, Sue Kilpatrick, Mike Lawler, Anne McNeill, Don Norbut, Steve Pierce and many others who wish to remain anonymous. These people value, respect and nurture the Crescenta Valley Weekly. I am grateful to them and to the many others who subscribe to the paper, deliver the paper and advertise in the paper. Their dedication (and faith) is what keeps up my spirits to continue doing this important work.