Memorial Day Ceremony May 25

The City will pay homage to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country during its Memorial Day ceremony at 8:30 am on Monday, May 25 in the Kershaw Garden at 200 Civic Center.

The ceremony will include guest speaker Colonel Charles "Clay" Readinger, Commanding Officer of Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division; and a tribute to Megan McClung, a Mission Viejo resident who died serving our country 23 years ago. The event also features a live vocal performance by Chad Berlinghieri, a seasoned performer with the LA Philharmonic and Opera Pacific at the Orange County Performing Arts Center and the San Diego Veterans Honor Color Guard. The ceremony concludes with a rifle salute and playing of taps.

American Heroes Tribute Banners, which honor veterans who have lost their lives in service to their country, will be on display through May 31.

In this 250th year of our nation's birth, the ceremony will also honor and reflect on all American heroes through decades of conflicts. In memory of the fallen, each attendee will receive a small flag and pen. At the end of the ceremony, folks are invited to stop by the "Honoring our American Heroes" poster display in the Civic Plaza and leave a written word of tribute and appreciation.

As part of the City's ABLE (Activities 4 Better Living Experience) initiative, the ceremony will offer handicapped-accessible parking; seating accommodations for people with physical limitations; and the ability to watch the live broadcast on Cox Channel 30 and AT&T Channel 99. Sign language interpretation for the hearing-impaired is also planned.

Coffee and light refreshments will be served following the ceremony. For more information and requests for seating accommodations, call 949-470-3061.