For 28 years, patriotic community members have come together at Eternal Valley Memorial Park and Mortuary, a local Dignity Memorial provider, to celebrate Memorial Day. This year’s complimentary event, which is expected to draw thousands, is dedicated to the memory of all veterans who served, fought and died for our freedom.

The event will be held on Monday, May 30, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Eternal Valley Memorial Park, 23287 N. Sierra Highway, Newhall, 91321.

The event will take place in Eternal Valley’s mortuary building parking lot with light refreshments for all attendees following the program. Convenient shuttles will provide transportation for guests from their vehicles to the program area.

“We are proud to bring families and friends together throughout our community for this event,” said Curtis Woods, II, general manager of Eternal Valley Memorial Park. “Memorial Day gives us a unique opportunity to honor and remember those brave American heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, men and women who have died serving our country.”

Guests will be greeted by more than 5,000 American flags that will be placed on the graves of local veterans by local Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. The event, which is co-hosted by the Santa Clarita Valley Veterans Memorial Committee and Eternal Valley Memorial Park, will include moving tributes, musical performances, and salutes.

Prelude music will be performed by the Santa Clarita Valley Concert Band, directed by Tim Durand. A fly-over of a World War II AT6 aircraft by the Condor Squadron will open the event followed by an introduction from Fred Gruchalla, treasurer of the Santa Clarita Valley Veterans Memorial and Vietnam veteran, U.S. Army. Pastor Rusty George from the Real Life Church will provide the invocation.

The Ronald Reagan Marines Corps League from Simi Valley will post colors and Nick Callas, president of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 355-Lost Patrol & Auxiliary, will guide the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. The posting of military branch and organization flags will be completed by the Vietnam Veterans of America and led by Chelsea Joy on bagpipes.

Recognition of event participants and sponsors include: Mayor Bob Kellar, Vietnam-era veteran, U.S. Army, Bill Reynolds, president of the Santa Clarita Valley Veterans Memorial, Vietnam veteran, U.S. Army, Randy Phillips, secretary of the Santa Clarita Valley Veterans Memorial, Vietnam veteran, U.S. Army, Robert Martinez, Vietnam veteran, Marine Corps, representatives from the Young Marines of Santa Clarita Valley, City of Santa Clarita, Charmaine’s Florist, Santa Clarita Valley Elks Lodge #2379, Santa Clarita Valley Signal newspaper, Gary Scott & Doug Barrett, Decibel Studios, American Legion Post 507 & Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts #6110 and #6885, Boy Scouts of America, Bill Hart District, Cub Scouts, Bill Hart District, Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles, Emblem Club #459, SCVTV, BBS Carpenter Shop, Brian Bovert & Scott Hansen and Cal Youngblood’s Jerry Rhodes, Wynne Ritgch, Dan Corvin and Bob Ventrice.

For information on the Memorial Day ceremony or about Eternal Valley Memorial Park, call 661.259.0800.