Here's how to observe Memorial Day 2023 in Ventura County
Throughout Ventura County this Memorial Day weekend, events have been organized to celebrate and honor the men and women who died serving their country.
Memorial Day's origins date to the years after the Civil War when Decoration Day was established May 5, 1868, to decorate the graves of the war dead. It was later observed May 30 when flowers would be in bloom. Memorial Day was officially declared a national holiday in 1971 and falls on the last Monday in May.
Here's a listing of Memorial Day events to attend across the region.
Camarillo
11 a.m.- 1 p.m. Monday: After a three-year absence, Conejo Mountain Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 2052 Howard Road, will host a Memorial Day event featuring Navy Capt. Jason G. Kranz of Naval Base Ventura County as keynote speaker. The Gold Coast Pipe Band and Camarillo Community Band will perform and much more.
Moorpark
10 a.m. Monday: The Moorpark Morning Rotary Club will host the Moorpark Field of Valor, a free tribute exhibiting flags in honor of those who lost their lives in service, at Tierra Rejada Park, 11900 Mountain Trail St. The opening ceremony starts at 1 p.m. and will feature color guard and a tribute to those in the community who have died in service.
10 a.m. Monday: A Memorial Day observance will be hosted by the American Legion at Moorpark Veterans' Memorial Park, 608 Spring Road.
Oak View
10 a.m. Monday: The 16th Annual Oak View Memorial Day parade will take place along Old Ventura Avenue. A pancake breakfast hosted the Ojai Valley Lions Club will be 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Lighthouse Church, 590 Old Ventura Road. Plates are $8 per person. Parade starts at 10 a.m. Immediately following the parade, a barbecue will be held at the Lighthouse Church.
Ojai
12:30 p.m. Monday: A free Memorial Day concert will be hosted at the Libbey Bowl, 210 S. Signal St. The event will include more than a dozen musical performances and address by Vietnam veteran George Sandoval. A special presentation by the 30th Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dogs from Vandenberg Space Force Base starts at 12:30 p.m. and regular program begins at 1 p.m. After the program ends around 3:30 p.m., a tri-tip barbecue will be offered at the Ojai American Legion Hall, 843 E Ojai Ave.
Oxnard
11 a.m. Monday: The city will host a Memorial Day ceremony at Plaza Park, 500 S. C St. The event is hosted by the city, Gold Star Mothers, Disabled American Veterans-Ventura Chapter 24, Knights of Columbus - Oxnard Council 750, Ben Moreell Sea Cadets Color Guard and more. The Channel Islands High School Raiders Band will perform at the ceremony.
Simi Valley
9:30 a.m. Monday: The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum will host a free Memorial Day event that includes live music, a flyover by the Tiger Squadron and more. Regular admission rates still apply for the museum and exhibits. Discounts are available for both active military and veterans.
Ventura
3 p.m. Monday: A Memorial Day observance will be held at Cemetery Memorial Park, 1347 E. Main St. Descendants of veterans buried in the park, Marine Corps League's President Ronald Reagan Detachment 597, Vietnam Veterans, Sons of the American Revolution, Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder and more are expected to attend.
Westlake Village
10:30 a.m. Monday: The annual Memorial Day service will be held at the Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks-Griffin Memorial Park, 5600 Lindero Canyon Road. The event will be free and include a flyover by the 146th Airlift Wing. The Harry Selvin Orchestra play at 10:30 a.m. with the service starting at 11 a.m.
Do you have a Memorial Day event to share? Email news@vcstar.com.
Andres Garcia is an intern at the Ventura County Star and can be reached at andres.garcia@vcstar.com.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Memorial Day 2023: Ventura County events to honor the fallen
