This coming Monday, May 25, Canoga Park will come alive in a powerful display of patriotism and remembrance as the 34th Annual Memorial Day Parade marches through the heart of the community.
This year’s theme, “Saluting the Price of Freedom,” honors all who gave their lives in service to our nation.
Hosted by the Canoga Park Community Center, the parade pays tribute to fallen heroes from every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, while holding special reverence for local service members – including Canoga Park High School graduates – who made the ultimate sacrifice from World War II to today.
With 50,000+ attendees expected, it remains one of Southern California’s most powerful and unifying Memorial Day traditions.
The day promises a stirring lineup of marching bands, vintage vehicles, and patriotic floats, as community groups, scout troops, and students take to the streets to honor the legacy of those who gave everything for freedom.
Bill Ratner, Chair of the Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade, reflects on the importance of this community tradition: “Our community’s Memorial Day Parade marks both the solemnity of our salute to our fallen, as well as showing our ‘Canoga Park Pride’ on Memorial Day. For more than three decades, our community has come together to honor our military members who died in service to their country with a focus on the Gold Star Families from graduates of Canoga Park High School. The parade celebrates our community’s solemn commitment to never forget our fallen who gave all for our freedom.”
This year, Mayor Karen Bass will be in attendance during the opening ceremony, along with local elected officials including Congressman Brad Sherman, State Senator Caroline Menjivar, Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel, LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, Dr. Scott Schmerelson, LAUSD, and LA City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield.
Leading the parade as Grand Marshal is Rear Admiral Dave Barnes, a West San Fernando Valley native who grew up in communities like Canoga Park, Chatsworth, Granada Hills, and Northridge. Barnes brings decades of military experience, including more than 1,500 flight hours as a Naval Flight Officer and leadership roles across the Indo- Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East. He has earned multiple honors, including three Legion of Merit awards, and also works as a pilot for United Airlines.
The parade will be emceed by San Fernando Valley local, business leader, and founder and CEO of Cowe Communications, Miri Rossitto.
The day begins with an opening ceremony at 10 am, followed by the parade step-off at 11 am. Spectators can expect a flyover from the Condor Squadron, sponsored by Van Nuys Airport, at 11:15 am. The parade route runs along Sherman Way from Owensmouth Avenue to Cozycroft Avenue, where the street fills with flags, marching bands, veterans groups, and local organizations. Five high school bands are expected to participate, alongside community groups and small businesses that return year after year, The parade will take place on Sherman Way between Owensmouth and Cozycroft.
