DOWNEY – Memorial Day will be celebrated at Downey Cemetery on May 26 with a wreath-laying ceremony and rifle salute by the local American Legion. There will also be a playing of “Taps” and remarks from local dignitaries.

The annual ceremony pays tribute to “all of our servicemen and women who have fought and sacrificed for our country throughout our nation’s history – and all those who are fighting today both at home and abroad,” city officials said. “Let’s show our appreciation for their courage and sacrifice through remembrance.”

Visitors should park at the Green Line station, where a shuttle will take guests to the cemetery and back. The ceremony will take place at the Veteran’s Memorial Wall and Garden and is expected to last about an hour.

Downey Cemetery traces its history back to the 1870s and serves the cities of Downey, Bellflower, Paramount and parts of South Gate. For questions about the Memorial Day program, call Lorena Arellano at (562) 904-7223.

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Published: May 1, 2014 - Volume 13 - Issue 03