Every last Monday of May is a day where Americans come together to show their utmost support, and honor fallen soliders who fought long and hard for the country’s freedom.
For the last 36 years, Santa Clarita Valley’s very own Veteran Memorial group has partnered with Eternal Valley Memorial Park & Mortuary to host a Memorial Day Ceremony free for all who want to attend.
The ceremony takes place in the cemetery’s main building upon a hill that overlooks the thousands of grave sites of fallen soldiers and other loved ones. During the Memorial weekend, the cemetery’s staff places over 7,000 American flags on the tombstones of those who have served. An attendee of the ceremony mentioned, “it is a beautiful sight to see that people take so much pride and care into placing all of these flags over those who have served.”
This year’s ceremony focused on acknowledging and honoring all the women who have played an important part in the military. It was mainly centered around the thousands of women who served in Vietnam, having the cover of the pamphlet featuring eight women who unfortunately lost their lives while serving.
A plethora of guest speakers attended this ceremony such as, U.S. Representative Mike Garcia, two councilwoman Laurene Weste and Marsha McLean, and the keynote speaker Major Hedi Heinrich who served in the army for 13 years.
These speakers honored the women who have served while showing their gratitude and appreciation for all who are currently serving and the gold star families. The ceremony ended with Terrell Williams singing “God Bless America” encouraging all who attended to sing along with him, showing respect and appreciation to those who have passed on.
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The event overall encapsulated what it means to be an American, focusing on honoring the individuals who are no longer here but made it all possible. Veteran Memorial group and Eternal Valley Memorial Park & Mortuary hope to keep this Santa Clarita Valley tradition alive, continuing to remember those each and every Memorial Day.
