September 23, 2023 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

Memorial Day Ceremony Held At The Los Angeles National Cemetery

This Is The First Time A Public Ceremony Had Been Held In Three Years

The Los Angeles National Cemetery held a special Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 29, 2023, to honor and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. The event took place at the newly reopened cemetery, which underwent a significant expansion project in 2019.

The ceremony featured performances by the 300th Army Band and 300th Army Band vocalist Danielle Roy and a presentation of colors by mounted Buffalo Soldiers led by Ron Jones and under the direction of Dr. Mark Ryan.

The Master of Ceremonies was Chaplain Dov Cohen, Vietnam War Chaplain Chairman Emeritus LA National Cemetery Support Foundation. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by 

WWII USA Dr. George Stanley and Sandra Stanley & John Lockett, Founder – Veterans Independence Day Celebrations & Phil Banos, President – Veterans Holiday Celebration.

The Invocation was given by Father Tom Gibbons, Paulist Productions. Glen Schecter, President of the Los Angeles National Cemetery Support Foundation, gave the Welcome to the crowd. The POW/MIA Ceremony was led by Col. Steven Miska, USA, Ret., Temoc Meza, Glen Schecter & Ronnie Guyer.

Remarks were made by Temoc Meza, U.S. Army Veteran and Director of the Los Angeles National Cemetery, Karen Bass, Mayor of the City of Los Angeles, Major General Evan C. Dertien, Commander of Edwards Air Force Test Center, and the Benediction was given by Rabbi David L. Wolpe. 

While Memorial Day has been observed at the site of what is now the Los Angeles National Cemetery for over a century, a public event for Memorial Day hasn’t been held since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s ceremony marks a significant return to honoring the fallen heroes in a public gathering. The ceremony was touching and heartfelt and was an opportunity to meet the veterans and the leaders of the Veterans Administration as well as hear them speak. 

The Los Angeles National Cemetery, a revered fixture in West Los Angeles since 1889, reopened in 2019 after a closure of four decades. Thanks to a columbarium expansion, the newly created cremation-only annex covers over 13 acres and caters to the burial needs of more than 90,000 veterans and eligible family members. This expansion has breathed new life into the cemetery, providing a sacred resting place for those who have served their country. The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) is also commemorating its 50th year of service. 

On June 18, 1973, President Nixon signed the National Cemetery Act, which led to the creation of the National Cemetery System, effective September 1, 1973. As part of this system, the VA took over 82 Army Cemeteries, resulting in a total of 102 VA National Cemeteries. Presently, the NCA oversees 155 National Cemeteries and provides grants to 122 state, territorial, and Tribal Veterans cemeteries.

This significant expansion of burial options ensures that 94% of veterans living in the U.S. have access to a VA or VA-funded cemetery within 75 miles of their homes. It reflects the commitment of the VA to provide fitting final resting places for those who have served their nation.

For more information about the VA’s burial benefits and memorial services, individuals can visit the National Cemetery Administration’s website or watch the informative video available on the site.

in News
Related Posts

CAP UCLA Launches 2023-24 Season at Renovated Nimoy Theater

September 22, 2023

September 22, 2023

Actor Zachary Quinto to Host Special Event Honoring Leonard Nimoy By Dolores Quintana UCLA’s Center for the Art of Performance...

Join Heal the Bay for the Official Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, September 23

September 21, 2023

September 21, 2023

Make a Difference in Your Community by Removing Trash From Our Coast By Dolores Quintana On Saturday, September 23, 2023,...

COVIDTests.gov to Reopen for Free Testing Starting on September 25

September 21, 2023

September 21, 2023

HHS Invests $600 Million in Domestic COVID-19 Test Manufacturing By Dolores Quintana The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services...

(Video) Citizen Public Market’s New Expanded Rooftop Bar Area

September 21, 2023

September 21, 2023

The rooftop bar’s size has been doubled and offers a relaxing and al fresco area for patrons to enjoy cocktails,...

Shake Shack Introduces Pilot Program with Eco-Friendly Oil

September 21, 2023

September 21, 2023

Zero Acre Farms to partner with Shake Shack in NYC  By Keemia Zhang Shake Shack has announced a partnership with...

Pringles and Caviar Company Introduce New Tiktok-Inspired Collaboration

September 20, 2023

September 20, 2023

TikTok Trend Spurs Special Partnership Between Brands By Keemia Zhang ​Pringles and The Caviar Co. have collaborated to produce the...

FRIDA Mexican Cuisine Hosts Margarita Mondays, Discount on Food and Drinks

September 20, 2023

September 20, 2023

Mexican Restaurant In Westwood Offers Weekly Happy Hour at the Bar By Keemia Zhang FRIDA Mexican Cuisine, a restaurant that...

6th Annual UCLA Westwood Village Block Party Celebrates Community and Local Businesses

September 19, 2023

September 19, 2023

An Exciting Showcase of Westwood’s Vibrant Culture and Welcoming Spirit By Dolores Quintana The highly anticipated 6th annual UCLA Westwood...

Union Solidarity Coalition Creates Charity Auction to Support Industry Workers Amidst 2023 WGA Strike

September 19, 2023

September 19, 2023

Showbiz Memorabilia, Personal Meetings, Celebrity Dogwalking Among Auction Items By Dolores Quintana The Writers Guild strike against The Alliance of...

Los Angeles Launches ERAP to Prevent Homelessness Amidst Rent Crisis

September 19, 2023

September 19, 2023

United to House Los Angeles Program Offers Vital Rental Assistance By Dolores Quintana The United to House Los Angeles (ULA)...

Flux Screening Series at The Hammer: Showcasing Global Short Films and Music Videos

September 18, 2023

September 18, 2023

Night of Creativity and Entertainment with Prominent Filmmakers and Musicians By Dolores Quintana The Flux Screening Series is set to...

Phoenix House 5K Walk Fights Opioid Crisis, Raises Overdose Awareness

September 18, 2023

September 18, 2023

Inaugural Walk Seeks To Unite Community and Show Support To Families By Dolores Quintana Phoenix Houses of California, a prominent...

U.S. Poverty Rate Records First Increase in 13 Years, Census Bureau Reports

September 18, 2023

September 18, 2023

Data Shows an Alarming Surge In Poverty Among Most Vulnerable  By Dolores Quintana In a noteworthy development, the poverty rate...

(Video) The Opening of The Nimoy Theater in Westwood.

September 18, 2023

September 18, 2023

Just a few glimpses of the celebration today of this new CAP UCLA venue for the performing arts. @centurycitywestwoodnews The...

Iconic Greta Garbo Estate in Beverly Hills: Where Hollywood History Meets Modern Luxury

September 18, 2023

September 18, 2023

Step Inside the Enchanting Oasis That Redefines Creative Living in Los Angeles By Dolores Quintana Experience the enchanting allure of...