Local veterans and their friends and families gathered at Eternal Valley Memorial Park Mortuary in Newhall to hold a Memorial Day Ceremony to remember fallen soldiers. 

Flags were placed across the Eternal Valley Cemetery this weekend on veteran graves, decorating the hillsides with red, white and blue. At 9 a.m. Monday, attendees began trickling in to where the ceremony was to be held. 

This year’s centerpiece for the ceremony was the Medal of Honors, the highest honor one can get in the military. A stage was set up with displays commemorating various Medal of Honor recipients, including 1st Lt. Loren D. Hagen, whose friend spoke in his memory. 

The ceremony kicked off at 10 a.m., with Assemblywoman Suzette Valladares, Congressman Mike Garcia, Mayor Laurene Weste and Mayor Pro-tem Jason Gibbs in attendance. 

Just after 10 a.m. a flyover of four jets occurred, the aircraft streaking across the sky above the 14 freeway and Eternal Valley. 

Acts of remembrance and honor included the Marine Corp League’s presentation of the colors, the singing of the National Anthem and “I am Proud to be an American”, as well as a rifle salute and the ringing of the active service bell.  

The orchestra also played all the branches of the military’s songs while veterans in attendance stood up to be recognized. 

Several speakers were heard at the ceremony, including Congressman Garcia: “It is imperative that we come together as a nation to pay our respects and help us all heal little by little.”

Former councilmember Bob Keller spoke on the Santa Clarita Valley Veterans Organization and veteran Fred Chitala read the Medal of Honor citation. He was also a classmate of Lt. Hagen. 

“Hero’s come in all shapes and sizes,” said Chitala. “When I was in high school in Minnesota, I knew a hero. I just didn’t know it then.”

He went on to tell the story of Lt. Hagen, and how he inspired others with his military bravery. 

To end the ceremony the Marine Corp League performed the traditional rifle ceremony, firing two shots in the air. Attendees then were able to enjoy a free lunch of grilled hot dogs provided by the Veteran Service Collaborative. 

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