By Joyce Peng
The Live Oak Memorial Park and Mortuary partnered with the Allied Veterans Council of the Upper San Gabriel Valley in hosting the annual Memorial Day ceremony Monday at Live Oak Memorial Park.
About 500 to 600 people attended the annual event that has taken place for more than two decades, said Lorraine Valdez, Live Oak Memorial Park and Mortuary manager.
The ceremony featured many different activities that included the Monrovia High School band’s renditions of “The Star Spangled Banner,” “God Bless America” and “America the Beautiful.”
A staff sergeant gave a Memorial Day address, and Gold Star Mothers and Blue Star Families were recognized.
Gold Star Mothers are mothers who have lost a son or a daughter in the line of service, and Blue Star Families are families who have sons and daughters serving in the military.
There was also a flyover by the Condor Squadron, the placing of wreaths, veterans’ recognitions, a ceremonial firing squad, taps and a retiring of colors.
After the ceremony, attendees received hotdogs, chips and other refreshments. Live Oak Memorial Park and Mortuary has worked with the Allied Veterans Council of the Upper San Gabriel Valley for 25 years to put together this annual ceremony. The Allied Veterans Council coordinated the whole ceremony, while Live Oak Memorial Park sponsored the event.
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