Long Beach to Host Sunset Ceremony Commemorating Memorial Day
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Long Beach, CA ~ On Sunday, May 28, the Office of Veterans Support, part of the Long Beach Health and Human Services Department, will host a free, family-friendly community event to commemorate Memorial Day. The inaugural event will honor military service members who have died and feature several local historical, veteran-led and veteran-supporting organizations.

Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson said, "Through this ceremony, we are honoring the members of our military for their bravery, sacrifice and embracing the rich history of our community as a Naval city. My heart goes out to everyone affected by a military loss, past and present."

Honoring Our Heroes – A Sunset Ceremony will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Long Beach Navy Memorial in Shoreline Aquatic Park (200 Aquarium Way). Free parking is available in the lot adjacent to the Navy Memorial site. The program will include patriotic music provided by the Navy Band Southwest Harborside Brass Quintet; flyovers with historic aircraft; drills by Lakewood High School's Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps; an information fair and activities featuring the Historical Society of Long Beach, People of the Earth Krew and other local community-based organizations; a brief program with guest speakers including acclaimed artist Terry Braunstein who created Navysphere; and keynote speaker Sergeant Major Charles Cook Jr. (US Marine Corps, retired), President of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Montford Point Marines. At sunset there will be a flag ceremony and playing of Taps to honor fallen service members.

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Health Department Director Kelly Colopy said "This event brings the community together to remember our fallen and learn more about the rich history of the Navy in Long Beach. We hope it becomes a new tradition in our city." First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas added "Memorial Day is a special day to remember and honor brave men and women who lost their lives in service to our country for our independence and freedom."

The event also offers opportunities to learn more about the Navy Memorial site which commemorates 90 years of Navy history in Long Beach with installations such as Navysphere - a 15-foot sculpture by local artist Terry Braunstein - as well as large-scale artifacts from former Long Beach Naval Complex. Honoring Our Heroes – A Sunset Ceremony complements Los Angeles Fleet Week which takes place from May 26 through May 29 at L.A Waterfront at Port of Los Angeles.

The event is sponsored by Long Beach Veterans Day Committee which aligns with Goal 1 of Veterans Strategic Plan which focuses on recognizing veterans for their strengths as valued members of our community while regularly celebrating them. This event honors fallen service members while also uplifting local Long Beach veteran community comprising more than 16000 veterans and their families.

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