This upcoming Monday is Memorial Day, when we honor our military servicemen and women who died in the line of duty. Events are held throughout the country, including here in the Northeast Valley.
The San Fernando Valley Historical Society will hold its annual Memorial Day Observance at Pioneer Cemetery in Sylmar, which is open to the public.
The event will include a rifle salute, a high school student singing both “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America,” a formal flag ceremony, and a wreath laying by senior veterans from the Marine Corps League San Fernando Valley Detachment #1277 and historian Phyllis Hansen will recite a passage on the history of the wreath laying.
The solemn practice of wreath laying at a grave or memorial site is a formal sign of respect for fallen military personnel, public figures, or victims of tragedy. It is often accompanied by “Taps,” a bugle call often played at dusk.
Local dignitaries will attend, including Congresswoman Luz Rivas and Sylmar Neighborhood Council Kurt Cabrera-Miller.
Stefanie Garcia, chairperson for the SFV Historical Society, said the cemetery is historically significant.
Although there have been no new burials at the cemetery since 1939, those whose bodies are laid to rest at Pioneer Cemetery include soldiers who served in the American Civil War.
In 1993, the cemetery was listed as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument.
“We have Civil War veterans buried there, so it seems right to honor them, as well as to all those who gave the ultimate price for their service,” Garcia said.
“That’s why we continue to do this, … to honor the service people … who lived in the community and who gave their lives for their community.”
The Historical Society acquired the cemetery in 2002 and initiated preservation efforts.
After learning more about its history, Garcia said it was important not only to maintain the site but also to educate people in the valley about its significance.
Every year, the event goes bigger, and so does the crowd. Last year, around 150 people attended the ceremony, so Garcia is anticipating similar numbers. And as the event has grown, the format has changed. The reading by Hansen, for example, will be a new addition this year.
As the Historical Society continues to hold this event, Garcia emphasized the importance of having this observance – so that the community doesn’t forget the sacrifices of those servicemembers who gave their lives for this country.
“We want future generations to understand the price that sometimes freedom takes, and that freedom isn’t free,” Garcia said. “I hope that people continue to see the importance of these traditions.”
Pioneer Cemetery is located at 14451 Bledsoe St. in Sylmar. The observance will take place from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.