One of the valley’s most beloved events is back after a pandemic hiatus.
The 31st Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade will roll down Sherman Way on Monday, May 29, beginning at 10 am.
The parade commemorates those we’ve lost at war, but is also a celebration of community and all the best of the valley.
An opening ceremony at 10 am will include a presentation of colors from the US. Naval Seal Cadets, Boy Scout Troop 474, Boy Scout Troop 624 and the North Valley Military Academy.
Welcome remarks and an invocation will follow. The national anthem will be sung by Air Force Master Sgt. Sarah Kumazawa. A wreath will be laid at a Wall of Honor by family members of 1st LT Eugene “Skip” Bedal of the US. Army, accompanied by Taps from the USAF Band.
Local singer Al Mooney will sing “Proud to be an American” and the ceremony will conclude with “God Bless America.”
The parade begins at 11 am honoring WWII veterans, including Ethel Margolin (aged 100), WAC, 8th Air Force, Barney Leone, U.S. Navy (Iwo Jima) and Joe Weber, U.S. Navy, Aviation.
Korean War honorees include Leon Martinez, US. Air Force and Bill Bird, U.S. Army.
Sheryl-Jo Bedal, the surviving daughter of 1st LT Eugene “Skip” Bedal, will represent her father, who was killed in Vietnam.
The parade will feature floats, cars, community groups and music.
Rolling down the parade route will be the Model A Club, the Valley Classic T-Bird Club and Classic Chevys of Southern California. There will also be movie cars from Jurassic Park and Ghostbusters as well as Kit from the TV show Knightrider.
A fire engine from Canoga Park Station 72 will join the parade, and marching bands from Canoga Park High and Taft High School will play.
The Canoga Park Women’s Club and Wings Over Wendy’s will be represented.
There will be a flyover of a C130 from the 146th Airlift Wing unit of the California Air National Guard, stationed at Channel Islands Air National Guard Station in Oxnard.
Community leader Miri Rossitto will MC the parade and Congressman Brad Sherman, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, Councilman Bob Blumenfield and LAPD Chief Michael Moore will all attend.
The parade route on Sherman Way will go from Owensmouth to Cozycroft.
For more information on the parade and participants visit canogaparkmemorialdayparade.com.
