Monday is Memorial Day, a federal holiday that sets aside time for reflection and remembrance of America’s heroes who gave their lives in service to their country.

Officially, Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service and was first enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War.

A special observance will be held at Eternal Valley Memorial Park, where the Santa Clarita Valley Memorial Committee is sponsoring the 22nd annual Memorial Day Celebration at 10 a. m. Monday. The theme of this year’s memorial and celebration is to honor the fighting that took place in the Pacific theater and on the island of Iwo Jima. Click here for our original story on the event.

One of Monday’s speakers will be Congressman Buck McKeon, the ranking Republican on the House Armed Services Committee. He spoke with KHTS and released the following statement regarding Memorial Day.

“Since 1775, and across the world today, our Armed Forces and veterans symbolize all that is best in us as Americans. This Memorial Day, we take time to honor all of the men and women of our nation’s Armed Forces who have given their lives protecting our great country. I ask all Americans to join me in thanking the brave soldiers protecting our nation today and to pay tribute to all those who have given their lives for our country in the past.

“In the most difficult conditions and in the most challenging terrain, our Armed Forces have faced impossible odds without counting the cost to themselves. Our nation is free because of brave Americans like these, who volunteer to confront our adversaries abroad so we do not have to face them here at home. This Memorial Day we acknowledge our responsibility as Americans to preserve the memory of the fallen. May God bless all Americans on this great day of remembrance.”

Along with the events at Eternal Valley, our troops are being celebrated in several locations around the Southland. Some of the more notable:

Saturday, May 29

10 a.m. – Supervisor Michael Antonovich’s 13th Annual “Remembering Our Veterans and Their Families, Past, Present and Future” Fair Day, Arcadia County Park, 405 S. Santa Anita Avenue, Arcadia. Call 626-967-1441 or 909-394-2264 for information. Bring a duplicate military photo to be placed on the “Wall of Remembrance.”

Saturday/Sunday/Monday

The Queen Mary will offer free admission to all active and retired U.S. military personnel for a special celebration honoring the military and the ship’s history as a military carrier. Regular admission prices for all others. Valid military ID must be provided for admission; normal operating hours 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for special discount.

Sunday/Monday

Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City will offer free admission to active and retired U.S. military personnel. Military personnel will be allowed to purchase up to six discounted admission tickets with valid military ID.

Memorial Day Ceremonies

The Canoga Park Memorial Day Festival will take place on Sherman Way (between Topanga and Canoga Avenues), featuring music, food, a children’s playground, vendors, community groups and military equipment displays. Also on display: a memorial wall naming each veteran from the San Fernando Valley who died in military service.

Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills and Glendale. Highlights include a wreath placement ceremony, patriotic music, color guards, Presidential Proclamation and rifle salute. Call 800-204-3131 or visit www.ForestLawn.com for information.

121st Annual Memorial Day program, Los Angeles National Cemetery, 950 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. For information, call 310-268-4675 or 310-268-4494.

Memorial Day Observance sponsored by San Fernando Historical Society at Pioneer Memorial Cemetery, 14400 Foothill Boulevard, Sylmar. Flag raising and 21-gun salute at noon by the All Veterans Burial Squad. Call 818-365-5860 or visit www.sfvhs.com for information.