The College of the Canyons Veterans Affairs department will host an exclusive Pre-Memorial Day gathering meant to honor all those who have given their lives while serving in the United States Armed Services.

 The event will take place from noon to 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, in the Valencia campus Honor Grove.

 On tap for the day are a special Memorial Day Flag Ceremony and a ‘drum circle’ facilitated by Remo Drums, Inc.

 The flag ceremony, which will be carried out by Marines from the Santa Clarita Valley Marine Corps Recruiting Station, brings a unique element of tradition to the COC campus, as the procedures and formalities scheduled for the event are typically only conducted on military bases — and therefore rarely seen by the public.

 The flag presentation and raising ceremony will begin promptly at noon in front of the campus’ flagpole, with the drum circle portion beginning immediately after at approximately 12:30 p.m.

“The Drum Circle is a fun way to unite veterans and non-veterans on campus in a fun activity,” said Renard Thomas, director of Reentry Programs and Veterans Affairs at the college. “Participants will be able  to express themselves by using drums, percussion instruments and vocals to create a musical song together while having a great time.”

Following the rhythmic portion of Wednesday’s itinerary all attendees are invited to take part in an appreciation luncheon hosted specifically for veterans. Veterans will receive their meal free of charge while non-veterans are asked for a $5 contribution to cover the cost of the meal.

 Also included in the day’s events will be various information tables, activities and free Memorial Day pins for attendees to proudly wear.

“The Memorial Day flag ceremony will provide an opportunity for us to come together as a campus to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces,” said Thomas. “But this event is also meant to honor, appreciate and show our continued support to all veterans, as well as all those currently serving.”