Photo by Vic PALLOS

By Robin GOLDSWORTHY   

Despite restrictions imposed by COVID-19, approximately 150 people attended the Memorial Day Field of Honor held at Forest Lawn – Glendale.

Known for its stunning display of 1,000 American flags adorning the Forest Lawn property, the Field of Honor has been a part of Memorial Day celebrations for four years. It was started under the guidance of Rotary President Tom Propst, retired Glendale Fire battalion chief, as an effort to celebrate and respect the lives of veterans. Last year, COVID-19 canceled the event; this year’s commemoration was one of the first community events in the area.

Dr. David Viar, superintendent/president of Glendale Community College and a veteran, was the keynote speaker and reflected on his time spent in Vietnam.

Many dignitaries were present at the commemoration including Glendale Police Chief Carl Povilaitis, Glendale Mayor Paula Devine, State Senator Anthony Portantino, Assemblymember Laura Friedman, Glendale Sunrise Rotary President Mike Shaar and Glendale Fire Chief Silvio Lanzas.

Denise M. Miller and Sharon Townsend chaired this year’s event.

The Glendale Sunrise Rotary owns the flags and purchases replacements for the ones that are picked up by flag sponsors. Major supporters for this year’s event include Forest Lawn, Loan Depot, Andy’s Transfer, City of Glendale, CV Insurance and SIG Property Management, among others.

According to Glendale Sunrise Rotary spokesman Stephen Ropfogel, if any non-profit is interested in partnering with the Rotary to raise funds for their non-profit organization by becoming a Friend of the Flag, contact him at Findologist@Earthlink.net.

To view the Facebook live event, visit https://www.facebook.com/GlendaleSunriseRotary/videos/1125742681170469.

In nearby Two Strike Park, a ceremony was held that was not open to the public due to COVID-19 concerns. Hosted by American Legion Post 288 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1614, the brief event began at 7:50 a.m. and included the raising and lowering of the flag to half-staff in honor of Memorial Day. This year, local cellist Jeffrey Dean was at Two Strike Park to play the cello in tribute to the fallen.

Photos by Dick CLUBB

The Posts typically host well-attended events on Memorial Day and Veterans Day but, because of the pandemic, have had to curtail in-person events. They are hopeful, however, that this year’s Veterans Day commemoration will be held in-person.

The Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce also hosted a Memorial Day observance. Usually held for the public at the corner of Ocean View Boulevard and Honolulu Avenue at the site of the Vietnam War Memorial, this year’s event was a private in-person remembrance at the Vietnam War Memorial, but was filmed and can be viewed at https://www.montrosechamber.org/.

Later in the day, board officers, members and friends of Glendale Burbank/Crescenta Valley Republican Assembly (GBRA) met at the Vietnam War Memorial with members of American Legion Post 288 to present the Post with a donation for its Memorial fund.