By Robin GOLDSWORTHY, Mary O’KEEFE, Ruth SOWBY

On Monday Memorial Day was observed in a variety of ways throughout the Valley. At Two Strike Park in La Crescenta, about 100 people filled the park at 8 a.m. for a ceremony hosted by members of American Legion Post 288 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1614. Vic Bustillo of the American Legion (AL) directed the ceremony. Fellow AL member Lynn McGinnis offered the invocation that preceded the presentation of colors by the Crescenta Valley High School JROTC. Boy Scout Eric Truong of Troop 288 led the pledge of allegiance followed by a performance of the national anthem by Monday@JoJo’s, an a cappella group that is a favorite of the Valley.

Then a powerful POW/MIA table ceremony was performed by the CVHS JROTC. The ceremony honors prisoners of war and those missing in action. It’s a visual reminder of their sacrifice. Another powerful facet of the morning was a reading of “More Than A Name On A Wall” by veteran Jerry Burnham. 

These two components reminded the audience of the importance of the occasion and the sacrifices made so that Americans can live in a free country.

Other highlights of the morning included recognizing three Purple Heart recipients and three fallen heroes, the laying of the memorial wreath by AL commander Johnie McDowell and Chuck Hughes and the playing of “Taps” by Col. Larry Icenogle.

At the entrance to Forest Lawn Glendale, 1,000 U.S. flags stood tall atop eight-foot poles. The poles are aligned to create a display of patriotism remembrance. This “Field of Honor” was the focal point of Rotary’s collaboration with Forest Lawn on Memorial Day. About 150 community members gathered to watch the one-hour ceremony. They were welcomed by Glendale Sunrise Rotary President Melina Sardar.  

In his remarks, keynote speaker retired U.S. Army Major General Mark MacCarley addressed the controversial topic of mandatory service.  

“Mandatory service should be a national effort for a few months to a year,” he said. Softening his stance, he added that the nation’s police, fire and sheriff departments are already performing that service as do veterans, first responders and community leaders. 

The program ended with the distribution of three $1,250 checks donated by Rotary. The checks were presented to Glendale Police Chief Manny Cid, Interim Fire Chief Jeff Brooks and a representative from the sheriff’s department.  

Said MacCarley, “We owe a debt to this nation and that debt must be paid in our own particular way.”   

The traditional Memorial Day recognition was held at 8 a.m. on Monday morning at the site of the Vietnam War Memorial at the corner of Honolulu Avenue and Ocean View Boulevard. It was well-attended by locals, by those both near the Memorial and watching from across the street. It began with bagpiper Bobby Kilgore playing “Amazing Grace” as he walked across Honolulu Avenue to the site of the Memorial. 

Glendale City Council Mayor Ara Najarian opened the remembrance. He has a family member listed on the wall of the Vietnam War Memorial. Several members of the Glendale City Council were at the event including Dan Brotman, Ardy Kassakhian and Vartan Gharpetian. Former City Councilmember Paula Devine was also present. Other dignitaries included Assemblymember Nick Schultz and Representative Laura Friedman. 

Friedman spoke about Memorial Day and its importance in remembering what soldiers fought and died for, and commented on how unique is the Montrose Vietnam Memorial. 

“Most Memorials are in parks,” she said, “but this is in the [center] of town.”

She added the Memorial is something that everyone who comes to Montrose will see and walk past. 

Also in attendance was a strong representation from Glendale and Los Angeles County law enforcement, California Highway Patrol and Glendale Fire Dept. 

Montrose Shopping Park Association representatives were present including  President Andre Ordubegian, Vice President GiGi Garcia and secretary Kim Kelly. 

Kelly attended with her husband Jeff, who has a relative listed on the Memorial wall. Kim spoke at the event. 

Adam Franko, president, and Molly Burke, executive director, of the Montrose Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce were also in attendance. 

Soloist Mike Thatcher sang a moving rendition of James Taylor’s “You Can Close Your Eyes.” 

Local resident Bronwyn Schramm then read the names of the fallen listed on the memorial while Michael Morgan, member of the Historical Society of Crescenta Valley, rang a bell after each name. 

Photos by Dick CLUBB, Robin GOLDSWORTHY, Mary O’KEEFE and Ruth SOWBY