By Jay Ross
On a perfect day in Canoga Park, a few thousand people gathered to pay tribute to fallen soldiers during the 33rd Annual Memorial Day Parade. The atmosphere was filled with a mix of excitement and bittersweet emotions, as both parade-goers and participants came together to honor those who served.
Among the honored guests was Bill Bird, a 94-year-old veteran of the United States Army, who served in the 6th Army, Special Services from 1952 to 1954. Accompanied by his two daughters, two grandchildren, and their mother, Bird’s presence in the procession added a personal touch to the event.
Bird holds a special place in the history of Canoga Park, being the first baby born in the city, which was originally known as Owensmouth before its name change in 1931. He graduated from Canoga Park High School in 1949 and grew up in a family that owned Bird’s Independent Market, located where Henri’s Restaurant now stands at the corner of Remmet and Sherman Way.
Bill’s first job involved delivering flowers in Tarzana, which eventually led to a lifelong career in the floral industry. Drafted during the Korean War in 1952, he served stateside as a carpenter, crafting training aide rifles.
After his military service, he returned to the floral business, working at Memory Lane Florist in the San Fernando Valley. In 1955, he purchased the shop, renaming it the Canoga Park Florist Shop, where he worked until his retirement in 1995.
In addition to his work as a florist, Bill taught floral design at Pierce College for 27 years and held teaching credentials from UCLA. His dedication to the community was further exemplified when he participated in a team that represented Canoga Park in the American City National competition in 2005, where they earned first place, marking a significant milestone as the first community in Los Angeles to win such an award.
His life story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by veterans and the importance of honoring their legacy.
