As Memorial Day approaches, our local community eagerly anticipates the opportunity to come together and honor the brave men and women who have given their lives in service to our nation. Across the Inland Empire, a myriad of events and commemorations are being organized to pay tribute to these heroes and reflect on the profound sacrifices they have made. From solemn ceremonies at local cemeteries to vibrant parades through downtown streets, our community is preparing to unite in remembrance and gratitude. We encourage you to pay your respects by attending one or more events or memorials near you.
A Flag for Every Hero – Memorial Day Flag Placement Saturday, May 25 8:30am Riverside National Cemetery
West Coast Thunder Memorial Day Motorcycle Ride 2024 to provide support and monuments for the Riverside National Cemetery – Monday, May 27 11am-3pm
VA2K Walk & Roll to support homeless Veterans and promote health and well being – Wednesday, May 15 at the Jerry L Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital in Loma Linda and Thursday, May 16 at the Ambulatory Care Center (ACC) in Redlands
Rose Hills 102nd Memorial Day Observance & Celebration at SkyRose Chapel– Monday, May 27 10:30am-11am
LA Fleet Week May 22-27 on the LA Waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles
If you are looking to visit one of the thirty-one official national memorials in the United States, the Port Chicago Naval Magazine in Concord, CA should be on your list. This memorial dedicated in 1994 recognized the dead of the Port Chicago disaster and they critical roll played by Port Chicago, CA during World War II. The memorial is located at the Concord Naval Weapons Station.
Also within driving distance is the Coronado National Memorial in Cochise County, Arizona. This memorial commemorates the first organized expedition into the Southwest by conquistador Francisco Vasquez de Coronado in 1540. Within the memorial is an overlook at the Montezuma Pass where the Coronado expedition entered modern Arizona. With eight miles of hiking trails to accommodate a wide range of skill levels, visitors will have ample opportunity to reflect of the significance of the site.
Another notable local exhibit is the March Field Air Museum first founded at March Air Force Base in 1979. The museum hosts a wide collection of aircraft with over 100 on display. The Distinguished Flying Cross National Monument Act, signed July 25, 2014, designated the memorial at the museum in honor of current and former members of the Armed Forces who have been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Other local memorials include the Veterans Wall of Freedom in Grand Terrace, Veterans Memorial Plaza in Pico Rivera, Veterans Memorial Park in Stanton, Veterans Memorial Monument in Lake Arrowhead, George A. Ingalls Veterans Memorial Plaza in Norco, Flag Hill Veterans Memorial Park in Yucaipa, Druding Veterans Memorial in San Jacinto, and Veterans Park Memorial Flags Monument in Big Bear Lake.
Wherever you are headed, we wish you safe travels and time for reflection and appreciation for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our great country.