By Danrochelle D. Yumul
Every year on Memorial Day, the heart of Canoga Park beats a little louder. Sherman Way fills with flags, music, classic cars, and generations of residents gathered, not just for a parade, but for an act of remembrance. The Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade is a defining tradition in the San Fernando Valley, built from community pride and a deep respect for those who served and sacrificed. But the road to this beloved event wasn’t always a straight one.
“Even though this is my third year as chair, I know the parade has been around in some form since at least 1980,” said Bill Ratner, a retired Navy captain, longtime community volunteer, and current Board Chair of the Canoga Park Community Center Foundation. “I remember biking out to see it (the parade) because parking was impossible even then.”
Ratner explained that while the parade has had gaps over the years, it’s always been a grassroots effort. “There just wasn’t anything in the San Fernando Valley to honor Memorial Day,” he said, “That’s what got it started.”
One of the most significant elements of the parade is its connection to Canoga Park High School. About a decade ago, the parade organizers built a portable memorial wall, mirroring the memorial wall at Canoga Park High School that lists the names of alumni who lost their lives in service, some dating back to World War II.
“It’s not just a parade,” Ratner emphasized. “It’s a tribute to our own fallen, and a teachable moment for the next generation.”
The parade has seen an array of memorable grand marshals from veterans like Major General Peter Gravett, who earned the Medal of Valor for actions during the 1965 Watts Riots, to Admiral Mike Shatynski, a retired two-star Rear Admiral and co-founder and Chairman of Los Angeles Fleet Week. Another notable grand marshal was Admiral Sandy Adams, who served in both Desert Storm and Afghanistan.
“We’ve also had incredible support from the community, both from the past and the present,” Ratner said. “Wells Fargo, the LA Rams, the LA Kings, local banks, insurance agencies, and individuals – this year alone, we filled 81 of the 90 available banner slots along Sherman Way.”
Though there were years when the parade didn’t happen, especially during the pandemic, it bounced back thanks to a committed planning team and a city that believes in the tradition. Ratner sees the parade as more than just a celebration – it’s a bridge between generations, a moment to reflect and educate. That’s why leaders like LAUSD Board President, Scott Schmerelson join the opening ceremony each year, to help ground the event in civic responsibility and history.
For Ratner, his role began with the Sea Cadets, marching in the parade and helping coordinate opening ceremonies. “Now, I’m orchestrating the whole thing—banners, grand marshals, you name it,” he laughed. “But it’s worth it. This is about honoring the fallen and showing our community what that sacrifice really means.”
Danrochelle D. Yumul is a Communications Manager at Cowe Communications. Follow them on social @CoweOfficial or visit the website at Cowe.com.
