Memorial Day Events In Southern California Celebrate America's 250th

With America celebrating its 250th anniversary this year, Memorial Day events in Southern California could have a more patriotic bent than in previous years.

Memorial Day Weekend runs May 23-25, with the holiday itself falling on Monday, the 25th.

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Memorial Day is traditionally a somber recognition of soldiers who died in the Revolutionary War and the American Civil War, fought to establish and maintain freedom and liberty for all, and in every war with U.S. involvement since.

A National Moment of Remembrance takes place at 3 p.m. local time, and Californians are encouraged to pause wherever they are for one minute of silence and join other Americans in honoring the men and women who died in U.S. military service.

Here are some local events:

250 Years of Freedom: Memorial Day Service

• When: May 25
• Where: Fairhaven Memorial Park and Mortuary, Santa Ana
• What: The special service will feature military speakers, a flyover, live music and more.

Forest Lawn's A Special Memorial Day Celebration

• When: May 25
• Where: Events will take place at all six Southern California locations, including Covina Hills, Glendale, Long Beach, Cypress, Cathedral City and Hollywood.
• What: Events include wreath presentations, keynote speakers, patriotic music, keynote speakers and more.

Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremonies

• When: May 24 (Miramar) and May 25
• Where: Ceremonies will take place at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, Los Angeles National Cemetery, Miramar National Cemetery, and Riverside National Cemetery.
• What: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will host commemoration ceremonies this Memorial Day weekend at 130 national cemeteries, including cemeteries in Southern California.

Memorial Day Weekend is also often regarded as the unofficial start to summer. Activities on the lighter side of the holiday include the following:

Here are some more events:

LA Fleet Week: IOWA Express Experience

• When: May 22-25
• Where: Battleship USS IOWA, Los Angeles
• What: Tour an active duty Navy ship during LA Fleet Week.

Military Appreciation Weekend

• When: May 23-24
• Where: SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego
• What: SeaWorld will honor the men and women of the U.S. armed services with free admission. There will also be face painting, local community organizations and more.

Newport Beach Wine & Spirits Festival

• When: May 22-24
• Where: Balboa Bay Resort, Newport Beach
• What: The festival is a celebration of wine, spirits and coastal cuisine over Memorial Day Weekend.

Top Gun 40th Celebration

• When: May 22-23
• Where: USS Midway Museum Flight Deck, San Diego
• What: This Memorial Day Weekend, USS Midway Museum will honor the 40th anniversary of the original 1986 Top Gun.

Are you planning an event for Memorial Day or any other time this spring or summer? Feature it so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!