It was a day to remember the fallen for their ultimate sacrifice.
Thousands of people set out to parks and cemeteries and other gathering spots across the county on Monday, May 26, for Memorial Day commemorations. It was a chance to share stories of inspiration and loss, and to honor those who fought and died for the country’s freedoms.
-
Members of The American Legion Huntignton Beach Post 133 stand at attention for the Pledge of Allegiance as The City of Huntington Beach held it’s 120th Memorial Day ceremony on the Pier Plaza Monday morning. (Photo by Sam Gangwer/Contributing Photographer) -
Huntington Beach City Council members read off the names of Huntington Beach residents lost during the countries wars as The City of Huntington Beach held it’s 120th Memorial Day ceremony on the Pier Plaza Monday morning. (Photo by Sam Gangwer/Contributing Photographer) -
Nicole Allyson Vogt, Miss Huntington Beach, waves to the crowd as The City of Huntington Beach held it’s 120th Memorial Day ceremony on the Pier Plaza Monday morning. (Photo by Sam Gangwer/Contributing Photographer) -
Dr. Jim Ghormley, Lt. Col. US Army Retired, acted as the master of ceremonies as the City of Huntington Beach held it’s 120th Memorial Day ceremony on the Pier Plaza Monday morning. (Photo by Sam Gangwer/Contributing Photographer) -
Victoria Cooper waves to a police helicopter as it flies over the crowd as The City of Huntington Beach held it’s 120th Memorial Day ceremony on the Pier Plaza Monday morning. (Photo by Sam Gangwer/Contributing Photographer) -
Brendan Bauer of Boy Scout Troop 319 leads th4e crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance as the City of Huntington Beach held it’s 120th Memorial Day ceremony on the Pier Plaza Monday morning. (Photo by Sam Gangwer/Contributing Photographer) -
Billy Cockrell of the Huntington Beach High School band plays Taps at the end of the ceremony as The City of Huntington Beach held it’s 120th Memorial Day ceremony on the Pier Plaza Monday morning. (Photo by Sam Gangwer/Contributing Photographer) -
A World War II era C-47 with D-Day stripes slies over the crowd as The City of Huntington Beach held it’s 120th Memorial Day ceremony on the Pier Plaza Monday morning. (Photo by Sam Gangwer/Contributing Photographer) -
California State Senator representing dristrict 36, Tony Strickland acteed as the keynote speaker as The City of Huntington Beach held it’s 120th Memorial Day ceremony on the Pier Plaza Monday morning. (Photo by Sam Gangwer/Contributing Photographer)
1 of 9
Members of The American Legion Huntignton Beach Post 133 stand at attention for the Pledge of Allegiance as The City of Huntington Beach held it’s 120th Memorial Day ceremony on the Pier Plaza Monday morning. (Photo by Sam Gangwer/Contributing Photographer)
Huntington Beach hosted one of the region’s longest-running events, in its 120th year, at the Pier Plaza.
The ceremony, with the ocean in the backdrop and spectators lining the pier, featured the Huntington Beach High School band, a military flyover, a roll call of those from the city lost during service, guest speakers and more.
-
The Freedom Committee of OC Veteran Members salute the American flag after their parade of military flags.
Now in its 71st year, the Memorial Day ceremony at Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park in Costa Mesa honors the fallen Monday, May 26, 2025. The morning included a missing man flyover, a World War II transport flyover, musical presentations and a wreath-laying remembrance.(Photo by Michael Goulding, Contributing Photographer) -
A member of Honor Color Guard of Costa Mesa Fire and Rescue Dept. holds the American flag.
Now in its 71st year, the Memorial Day ceremony at Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park in Costa Mesa honors the fallen Monday, May 26, 2025. The morning included a missing man flyover, a World War II transport flyover, musical presentations and a wreath-laying remembrance.(Photo by Michael Goulding, Contributing Photographer) -
Red, white and blue were on full display at Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park.
Now in its 71st year, the Memorial Day ceremony at Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park in Costa Mesa honors the fallen Monday, May 26, 2025. The morning included a missing man flyover, a World War II transport flyover, musical presentations and a wreath-laying remembrance.(Photo by Michael Goulding, Contributing Photographer) -
Visitors share a moment of silence during the Memorial Day service.
Now in its 71st year, the Memorial Day ceremony at Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park in Costa Mesa honors the fallen Monday, May 26, 2025. The morning included a missing man flyover, a World War II transport flyover, musical presentations and a wreath-laying remembrance.(Photo by Michael Goulding, Contributing Photographer) -
Joni Illingworth and her daughter Allison Wahl share a moment graveside with their father/grandfather. Now in its 71st year, the Memorial Day ceremony at Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park in Costa Mesa honors the fallen Monday, May 26, 2025. (Photo by Michael Goulding, Contributing Photographer) -
Wreath bearers wait to present their acknowledgment.
Now in its 71st year, the Memorial Day ceremony at Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park in Costa Mesa honors the fallen Monday, May 26, 2025. The morning included a missing man flyover, a World War II transport flyover, musical presentations and a wreath-laying remembrance.(Photo by Michael Goulding, Contributing Photographer) -
The Orange Empire Chorus sang the US armed forces medley in the Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park.
Now in its 71st year, the Memorial Day ceremony at Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park in Costa Mesa honors the fallen Monday, May 26, 2025. The morning included a missing man flyover, a World War II transport flyover, musical presentations and a wreath-laying remembrance.(Photo by Michael Goulding, Contributing Photographer) -
Victor Real, with the Freedom Committee of OC Veteran Members, carries the USMC flag in the parade of military flags.
Now in its 71st year, the Memorial Day ceremony at Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park in Costa Mesa honors the fallen Monday, May 26, 2025. The morning included a missing man flyover, a World War II transport flyover, musical presentations and a wreath-laying remembrance.(Photo by Michael Goulding, Contributing Photographer) -
Keynote speaker Col.Robert Herrman, US Navy wipes away a tear while remembering a fallen comrade, Captain JenniferJean Harris.
Now in its 71st year, the Memorial Day ceremony at Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park in Costa Mesa honors the fallen Monday, May 26, 2025. The morning included a missing man flyover, a World War II transport flyover, musical presentations and a wreath-laying remembrance.(Photo by Michael Goulding, Contributing Photographer) -
Marco Alcald of Santa Ana sits at his son, Daniel Navarrete’s graveside with his son’s dog, Boe before the ceremonies.
Now in its 71st year, the Memorial Day ceremony at Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park in Costa Mesa honors the fallen Monday, May 26, 2025. The morning included a missing man flyover, a World War II transport flyover, musical presentations and a wreath-laying remembrance.(Photo by Michael Goulding, Contributing Photographer) -
Karen Shwachman watches the retiring of the colors at Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park in Costa Mesa.
Now in its 71st year, the Memorial Day ceremony at Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park in Costa Mesa honors the fallen Monday, May 26, 2025. The morning included a missing man flyover, a World War II transport flyover, musical presentations and a wreath-laying remembrance.(Photo by Michael Goulding, Contributing Photographer) -
Cole Eck, 10, of Costa Mesa reads the names along the walkway in Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park as his grandmother looks on.
Now in its 71st year, the Memorial Day ceremony at Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park in Costa Mesa honors the fallen Monday, May 26, 2025. The morning included a missing man flyover, a World War II transport flyover, musical presentations and a wreath-laying remembrance.(Photo by Michael Goulding, Contributing Photographer) -
Dwight Hanson lays the USMC wreath on the grave marker during ceremonies.
Now in its 71st year, the Memorial Day ceremony at Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park in Costa Mesa honors the fallen Monday, May 26, 2025. The morning included a missing man flyover, a World War II transport flyover, musical presentations and a wreath-laying remembrance.(Photo by Michael Goulding, Contributing Photographer) -
Dovers were released by Cub and Boy Scout troop 711 at the conclusion of the ceremonies.
Now in its 71st year, the Memorial Day ceremony at Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park in Costa Mesa honors the fallen Monday, May 26, 2025. The morning included a missing man flyover, a World War II transport flyover, musical presentations and a wreath-laying remembrance.(Photo by Michael Goulding, Contributing Photographer)
1 of 14
The Freedom Committee of OC Veteran Members salute the American flag after their parade of military flags.
Now in its 71st year, the Memorial Day ceremony at Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park in Costa Mesa honors the fallen Monday, May 26, 2025. The morning included a missing man flyover, a World War II transport flyover, musical presentations and a wreath-laying remembrance.(Photo by Michael Goulding, Contributing Photographer)
Now in its 71st year, the Memorial Day ceremony at Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park in Costa Mesa honors the fallen Monday, May 26, 2025. The morning included a missing man flyover, a World War II transport flyover, musical presentations and a wreath-laying remembrance.(Photo by Michael Goulding, Contributing Photographer)
In Costa Mesa, a celebration honored the fallen at Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park & Mortuary. Spectators at one point looked to the sky during a “missing man” flyover and to watch a WWII transport float by. It was the 71st year that the city has held a Memorial Day event.
-
The Master Chorale of Saddleback Valley performs “My Land” during the annual Memorial Day Observance at the El Toro Memorial Park in Lake Forest on Monday, May 26, 2025. (Photo by Rebecca Villagracia, Contributing Photographer) -
Alfred Lang plays “Taps” during the annual Memorial Day Observance at the El Toro Memorial Park in Lake Forest on Monday, May 26, 2025. (Photo by Rebecca Villagracia, Contributing Photographer) -
“Sunny” Esther Wheeler, left, introduces her mother Charlotte Van Steenbergen, a World War II concentration camp survivor, during the annual Memorial Day Observance at the El Toro Memorial Park in Lake Forest on Monday, May 26, 2025. (Photo by Rebecca Villagracia, Contributing Photographer) -
The Master Chorale of Saddleback Valley performs “America the Beautiful” during the annual Memorial Day Observance at the El Toro Memorial Park in Lake Forest on Monday, May 26, 2025. (Photo by Rebecca Villagracia, Contributing Photographer) -
Speakers recite the Pledge of Allegiance during the annual Memorial Day Observance at the El Toro Memorial Park in Lake Forest on Monday, May 26, 2025. (Photo by Rebecca Villagracia, Contributing Photographer) -
The VFW Edward J. Kearns Post 6024 fires rifles during an honor guard firing salute during the annual Memorial Day Observance at the El Toro Memorial Park in Lake Forest on Monday, May 26, 2025. (Photo by Rebecca Villagracia, Contributing Photographer) -
Bagpiper Richard Cook plays “Amazing Grace” during the annual Memorial Day Observance at the El Toro Memorial Park in Lake Forest on Monday, May 26, 2025. (Photo by Rebecca Villagracia, Contributing Photographer) -
Wreaths are displayed by various cities and organizations in a Wreath Ceremony during the annual Memorial Day Observance at the El Toro Memorial Park in Lake Forest on Monday, May 26, 2025. (Photo by Rebecca Villagracia, Contributing Photographer) -
Mission Viejo Chapter NSDAR regent Metty Thomason speaks during the annual Memorial Day Observance at the El Toro Memorial Park in Lake Forest on Monday, May 26, 2025. (Photo by Rebecca Villagracia, Contributing Photographer) -
Bagpiper Richard Cook plays “Amazing Grace” during the annual Memorial Day Observance at the El Toro Memorial Park in Lake Forest on Monday, May 26, 2025. (Photo by Rebecca Villagracia, Contributing Photographer) -
Guests applaud during the annual Memorial Day Observance at the El Toro Memorial Park in Lake Forest on Monday, May 26, 2025. (Photo by Rebecca Villagracia, Contributing Photographer) -
Saddleback Area Historical Society vice president Rita Propersi places a wreath during the annual Memorial Day Observance at the El Toro Memorial Park in Lake Forest on Monday, May 26, 2025. (Photo by Rebecca Villagracia, Contributing Photographer) -
Shane Gold, 13, and his father William Gold of Mission Viejo help shine a gravestone of a veteran during the annual Memorial Day Observance at the El Toro Memorial Park in Lake Forest on Monday, May 26, 2025. (Photo by Rebecca Villagracia, Contributing Photographer) -
Keynote speaker Frans VandenBroek delivers his speech “The Legacy of the Vietnam Veteran” during the annual Memorial Day Observance at the El Toro Memorial Park in Lake Forest on Monday, May 26, 2025. (Photo by Rebecca Villagracia, Contributing Photographer) -
A combined color guard carries the flags during the annual Memorial Day Observance at the El Toro Memorial Park in Lake Forest on Monday, May 26, 2025. (Photo by Rebecca Villagracia, Contributing Photographer) -
A combined color guard carries the flags during the annual Memorial Day Observance at the El Toro Memorial Park in Lake Forest on Monday, May 26, 2025. (Photo by Rebecca Villagracia, Contributing Photographer) -
Chaplain Cindie Reilly speaks during the annual Memorial Day Observance at the El Toro Memorial Park in Lake Forest on Monday, May 26, 2025. (Photo by Rebecca Villagracia, Contributing Photographer) -
A flag is placed on a veteran’s grave during the annual Memorial Day Observance at the El Toro Memorial Park in Lake Forest on Monday, May 26, 2025. (Photo by Rebecca Villagracia, Contributing Photographer)
1 of 18
The Master Chorale of Saddleback Valley performs “My Land” during the annual Memorial Day Observance at the El Toro Memorial Park in Lake Forest on Monday, May 26, 2025. (Photo by Rebecca Villagracia, Contributing Photographer)
At the El Toro Memorial Park tribute, in Lake Forest, the keynote speaker was U.S. Army veteran Frans VandenBroek, who served as a helicopter crew chief during the Vietnam War. The crowd also saw and heard a color guard flag ceremony, a wreath presentation and musical performances.
The tribute ended with a gun salute for the fallen.