Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post #9148 will host a Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 28th, from 11 a.m. to noon at Olive Lawn Memorial Park.
The service will include a Memorial Day address given by 31-year retired United States Marine Corps Major William Mimiaga, recognition of La Mirada Blue Star families, a special tribute to fallen soldiers, and the placing of memorial flowers by the La Mirada City Council, community organizations, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Auxiliary.
The Blue Star program originated during World War I as a way for families to indicate that a loved one was serving in the military by displaying a Blue Star Banner in the front window of their homes. The banner displayed in the front window of the home shows a family’s pride in their loved one serving in the military and reminds others that preserving America’s freedom demands much. Since April 2003, the City of La Mirada has received over 68 applications for enrollment in the Blue Star program.
The Blue Star stands for hope and pride for the troops, a Yellow Star stands for wounds sustained overseas, and a Gold Star stands for a sacrifice of life. By placing these stars in the windows of homes and vehicles, the La Mirada community can recognize and support the troops serving our country.
For nearly 60 years, overseas veterans of America’s wars have shared comradeship and community service through their membership in Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9148. The roster of the organization has included overseas military veterans of World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, and the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The post was established even before La Mirada became a city. It started in 1959, meeting at Gardenhill School, with 43 veterans from World War II. Along with city officials, the Post established Veterans Park at Santa Gertrudes Avenue and Adelfa Drive. Veterans Park, which honors La Mirada men and women who have served in the armed forces, was dedicated on Nov. 11th, 2000.
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, as seating is limited. For additional information on the Memorial Day service, call La Mirada VFW Post #9148 at (562) 941-4097 or Olive Lawn Memorial Park at (562) 943-1718.
Source: City of La Mirada