There were flyovers over Long Beach’s waterfront, patriotic music and a sunset flag ceremony — all to honor the U.S. military.
Long Beach remembered those who died serving the country during a Memorial Day tribute on Sunday evening, May 26, at its Navy Memorial in Shoreline Aquatic Park. The ceremony, which also commemorated Long Beach’s 90-year naval history, featured historic aircraft flying overhead, Lakewood High ’s Navy JROTC performing exhibition drills and guest speakers, among other activities.
“This Memorial Day commemoration not only honors our military members, past and present, for their sacrifice and bravery,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement before the event, “but also celebrates the over 90-year history of Long Beach as a Naval city.
The event, called “Honoring our Heroes,” also included activities featuring the Historical Society of Long Beach, People of the Earth Krew and other local veteran-led and veteran-serving organizations, as well as the chance to learn about the city’s Navy Memorial site, which, according to a Long Beach press release, is “designed to provide a reflective space for visitors who are often surprised to discover it and its magnificent ocean view.”
Long Beach was home to a naval shipyard for more than 80 years, until it closed in 1997, and the city is still home to more than 15,000 veterans and their families, according to the press release.
Honoring our Heroes, meanwhile, not only memorialized those who died while serving in the military, but also complemented LA Fleet Week, which runs through Monday at the Los Angeles Harbor, the city press release said.
“We extend our deepest appreciation to our brave military service members for their courage, dedication and selflessness,” First District Councilmember Mary Zendejas said in a statement, holding them close in our hearts as we come together to pay tribute to them at this special ceremony.”
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