Memorial Day Events Planned Throughout Valley

The Canoga Park/West Hills Chamber of Commerce will honor the nation’s war dead today during its 10th annual Memorial Day Parade.

Grand Marshal Nichelle Nichols, who played Lt. Uhura in the “Star Trek” television and motion picture productions, will lead the procession themed “Proud to Be an American.”

The parade steps off at 11 a.m. from Owensmouth Avenue, going east on Sherman Way, south on De Soto Avenue and west along Vanowen Street, ending up back at Owensmouth.

* The Will Geer Memorial Parade, an eclectic, freewheeling event that is part of the three-day Topanga Days Country Fair benefiting the Community House, will get underway today at 11 a.m.

It sets out from the Topanga Central Station at Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Old Topanga Canyon Road, travels north along the boulevard and ends at the Community House, 1440 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., site of the fairgrounds. Longtime Topangans Mimi and Henry Smith will be grand marshals.

* The North Hollywood Veterans of Foreign War Post 10040 will present the posting of colors, wreath-laying and rifle salute today in the 71st annual Memorial Day parade at Pierce Brothers Valhalla Cemetery, 10621 Victory Blvd. in Burbank.

The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude with a flyover of vintage World War II aircraft by the Condor Squadron.

* The Verdugo Hills Showtime Chorus Sweet Adelines International will present a patriotic musical tribute today at 11 a.m. at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Hollywood Hills, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive.

* Bishop Gerald Wilkerson celebrates a 10 a.m. Mass today at San Fernando Mission Cemetery, 11160 Stranwood Ave. in Mission Hills. The choir from St. John de la Salle Catholic Church in Granada Hills will sing at the outdoor ceremony.

* The Lancaster American Legion Post 311 and Ladies Auxiliary host ceremonies today at 10 a.m. at Joshua Memorial Park, 808 E. Lancaster Blvd. in Lancaster. Master of ceremonies will be retired Air Force Master Sgt. Fred Coby. The Reading of Memorial Day will be done by Joaquin Rebledo, head of the 974th Cadet Corps Honor Guard at Antelope Valley High School. The service concludes with a free potluck and deep-pit barbecue at the hall of the Lancaster Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7283 at 45541 Sierra Highway.

* Santa Clarita Valley veteran organizations will host the 19th annual Memorial Day tribute today at 10 a.m. at Eternal Valley Memorial Park, 23287 N. Sierra Highway in Newhall. Santa Clarita Mayor Janice Heidt will speak and the Santa Clarita Valley Concert Band will provide the music. The event will also feature a flyover by the Condor Squadron.

* The U.S. Naval Sea Cadets will raise the colors at Memorial Day ceremonies today at 10 a.m. at Desert Lawn Memorial Park, 2220 Avenue S in Palmdale. Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford, Col. Robert Catlin of Air Force Plant 42, and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept. Capt. Harold Hladky will remember those who have died. Evie Moore will sing “God Bless America.” Wreaths will be laid on graves by women’s groups.

* Several choirs and bands, including the Amen Choir, the Air National Guard Band and the Valleyaires, will participate in a commemorative program today at 11 a.m. at the Garden of Valor, Valley Oaks Memorial Park, 5600 Lindero Canyon Road in Westlake Village. The Rev. John Greenlee, pastor of the Westlake Community Christian Church, will lead the prayer.