Memorial Day parades in California seem somehow out of step with the sunshine, fresh air and laid back living that typifies this state. Still, each year when the month of May roles around people know that it is time once again to break out decorative American Flags and get ready to celebrate our national holiday to honor service men and women. Memorial Day can be especially poignant when our nation is at war and it is likely that there will be large and devoted crowds that gather in tribute to the armed forces at some of these Memorial Day parades.
Canoga Park , California In this part of the country, the Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade is a very big deal. This year the Canoga Park Improvement Association as announced that they will work with the theme ” Honoring our Home Town Heroes. Unfortunately with the war on terror still proceeding at full tilt there are more than 3,000 young men whose home towns now claim them as heroes and honor not just their efforts but their passing on Memorial Day.
As serious as Memorial Day is taken, especially during times of war, it has also become a time of community celebration at Canoga Park, California. The line of march this year will include lots of marching units both civil and military , local political leaders this year including the mayor, local and regional youth groups, floats, plenty of musicians and antique cars which always attract lots of oos and ahhhs. A judges stand is in place and participating units will be adjudicated for prizes according to type of entry.
The Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade has expanded over the years not just in terms of its participants but also in terms of spectators. Folks are encouraged to come early to get a good viewing spot as you will be vying with some 50,000 other people all wanting prime location. If you are looking for one special place to honor our fighting men and women, come to the Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade where you will be surrounded by the red,white and blue and lots of Americans grateful for the sacrifices of our armed forces. The parade will be held beginning at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 26. For more information go to http://www.canogaparkcal.com.
Gilroy Memorial Day Parade . This year’s Gilroy Memorial Day Parade will begin at 11 a.m. on Monday May 26, 2008. The parade is the center piece of a day filled with Memorial Day activities. Before the parade, from 9- 10 am there is a commemorative ceremony at the Gavilan Cemetery. Following the parade from 1- 4 there is a community celebration called Family Day at Christmas Hill Park with face panting,a bouncing house, climbing wall and food . But in between is the action and excitement of the Gilroy Memorial Day Parade.
In past years the parade line of march has been packed with marching bands, walking units, colorful and creative floats and antique autos. There have also been troops bike riders, equestrian units, stage coaches, tractors and other eye catching marching groups. At its best, it is a community event that brings out families and young children waving American flags.
This year will mark only the 11th annual parade at Gilroy, but the residents are taking their event very seriously. The theme for the parade is “Your Freedom, Their Lives” a reminder to all that freedom does not come cheaply. For America today, it may come at the cost of another American’s life in combat. You can check for more information at http://www.gilroyparade.com .
Lakeport, California. Located on the coast of Clear Lake California, Lakeport is a small city with lots of spirit. As the site of county court house, a setting for boating and fishing and a regional center for local art Lakeport seems always to be in the midst of come type of celebration or commemoration. How many small cities do you know that have both a Christmas Day and an Independence Day Parade? Lakeport seems to thrive on organizing and holding parades and includes in its repertoire a great local Memorial Day Parade.
This year’s Lakeport Memorial Day Parade will be held on Saturday, May 24. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. Not surprising in this small city that seems to love community activity the parade is followed by a community barbecue and a crafting fair. In fact the Lakeport Memorial Day Parade seems to be both an honoring of those who have sacrificed for our nation and a celebration of what this nation can be all about. Memorial Day weekend activities continue into Sunday May 25 when a second community gathering is held in the Lower Lake section of the city. A second parade is held and there is music, food, dancing and more craft displays from noon until 3 p.m. If you have thought about spending Memorial Day at lakeside, possibly Lakeport has your lake waiting for you. Find out more about the Memorial Day activities at http://www.lakeportchamberofcommerce.com
