There are many ways around Southern California to remember the men and women who have served our country, including a few traditions that are very much tied to local communities. Pause and pay tribute on Monday, May 27 at...
THE PALM SPRINGS AIR MUSEUM: It's one of the most beautiful and unusual of the Golden State ceremonies: The carnation flower air drop. A B-25 Mitchell will fly over the institution on Memorial Day at 1 p.m.; moments later, some 3,000 red and white carnations will flutter to the ground. A program and service is also scheduled for that day, as are many family activities.
CANOGA PARK MEMORIAL DAY PARADE: The theme for this year's procession, which including marching units as well as vintage cars and floats, is "Saluting the Price of Freedom" but there is a change to note from year's past: The route is now Sherman Way. The parade steps off from Sherman Way and Owensmouth at 11 a.m. on May 27.
QUEEN MARY SAYS THANK YOU: The famous ocean-liner that now calls Long Beach its forever home once served as a troop transport in World War II (the Grey Ghost, was her name). Now each Memorial Day Weekend the ship says thank you by waiving admission for members of the military and veterans. Immediate family members get 40% off their admission, too. Dates? Saturday, May 25 through Monday, May 27.
USS IOWA: It's hard to believe that this World War II battleship left its Richmond home for San Pedro on May 26 of 2012. Remember the photos of it going under the Golden Gate Bridge? It's set to spend this Memorial Day honoring the military and those who have served. A full day of "food, fun, games and entertainment" is planned, and active military and veterans get in free (just have that ID handy).
