For the 14th consecutive year, the San Fernando Valley Historical Society will host a free Memorial Day Observance at the historic San Fernando Pioneer Memorial Cemetery in Sylmar, with a special tribute dedicated to the five Civil War veterans buried at the 141-year-old graveyard.
The event will commence at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 25 and conclude with a U.S. flag-raising and rifle salute at Noon. The cemetery is located at 14451 Bledsoe Street at the corner of Foothill Boulevard (between the Roxford and Polk exits of the 210 Freeway.)
“We welcome everyone who wishes to honor those who’ve perished in the name of freedom, yesterday and today,” says Ron Van Deest, president of the historical society. “Our Memorial Day program blends patriotism with the past and gives a history lesson of how Memorial Day began after the Civil War ended in 1865.”
This year’s program celebrates the final year of our nation’s sesquicentennial observance of the epic war between North and South. It will include songs and vignettes from “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory-Reflections on the Civil War” with President Abraham Lincoln, soldiers, civilians and other spirits of the era performed byLiving Literature Theatricals featuring David Aaron, JC Henning, Amanda McManus, David Pinion, and Marbry Steward.
“We are thrilled to participate in this special observance honoring Americans who’ve given their all for our country,” says JC O’Connell of Living Literature Theatricals. “Our 20-minute Civil War era performance steps back in time yet presents universal themes that are relevant even today.”
There will be limited parking at the rear of the cemetery, so please carpool, if possible, and come early for the best seating. Gates open at 10 a.m. For additional information, visit www.sfvhs.com.