Ventura County sites plan 2024 Memorial Day commemorations

Dave Mason, Ventura County Star
Updated ·3 min read
In this file photo, Blake Thomas, 5, left, watches as his brother Jack Thomas, 7, places an American flag at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks-Griffin Memorial Park in Westlake Village May 27. The brothers joined members of Cub Scout Pack 3663 of Simi Valley to adorn veterans' graves with flags ahead of Memorial Day.
In this file photo, Blake Thomas, 5, left, watches as his brother Jack Thomas, 7, places an American flag at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks-Griffin Memorial Park in Westlake Village May 27. The brothers joined members of Cub Scout Pack 3663 of Simi Valley to adorn veterans' graves with flags ahead of Memorial Day.

Everything from a Moorpark field of flags to a tall ship in Ventura is planned for Memorial Day events around Ventura County.

Here’s a roundup. Unless noted otherwise, programs are free.

Camarillo

11 a.m. Monday: A service will take place at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park, 2052 Howard Road. Speakers are Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff, 2nd District Supervisor Jeff Gorell and Bob Horrell, a Navy veteran and co-founder and executive director of the Military Animal Project. Event features patriotic music, displays and free hot dogs and ice cream. For details, see www.conejovalleyguide.com/local-events/memorial-day-service-at-conejo-mountain-memorial-park-in-camarillo.

Fillmore

11 a.m. Monday: A program in planned at the Bardsdale Cemetery, 1698 S. Sespe St. The service is presented by VFW Post 9638, Boy Scout Troop 406, Cub Scout Troop 3409 and Garcia Funeral Home. For more information, see facebook.com/bardsdalecemetery.

Moorpark

10 a.m. Monday: A one-hour program is planned for the Moorpark Veterans’ Memorial, 608 Spring Road. The ceremony is presented by American Legion Post 502, the city of Moorpark, American Legion Auxiliary, Boy Scouts, Forty & Eight and Kiwanis Club of Moorpark. To learn more, call the American Legion at 805-901-2133.

10 a.m. Monday: The Moorpark Field of Valor will present a field of flags honoring military personnel who died in service of their country. The flags are at Tierra Rejada Park, 11900 Mountain Trail St. While the viewing of flags starts at 10 a.m., the opening ceremony is at 1 p.m. The closing ceremony will take place at 4 p.m. The event is hosted by the Moorpark Morning Rotary Club. For more information, visit moorparkmorningrotary.com.

Oak View

10 a.m. Monday: The Oak View Memorial Day Parade will bring everything from vintage cars to dancing horses down Old Ventura Avenue from Park Avenue to Old Grade Road. Kids from the Oak View Teen Center, the parade's sponsor, and Sunset Elementary School in Oak View have worked hard on the parade and promoted it, said parade coordinator Mendy McQuillen. She said Thursday the grand marshal is Irvin Poff, a 105-year-old World War II Army Air Forces veteran who flew 50 missions in a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. People can enter the parade by calling McQuillen at 805-836-5434. After the parade, a barbecue honoring Poff will take place at the Ojai Valley Moose Lodge, 382 N. Ventura Ave., Oak View.

Port Hueneme

8:30 a.m. Monday: A 45-minute program at the Port Hueneme Pier, 550 E. Surfside Drive, will feature a keynote speaker from Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme. The service also includes the city’s first wreath ceremony and a paddle out led by local lifeguards. For more information, call Port Hueneme Recreation & Community Services at 805-986-6542 or visit the city's website at ci.port-hueneme.ca.us.

Simi Valley

10 a.m. Monday: Capt. Robert Kimnach III, commanding officer at Naval Base Ventura County, will speak during the service at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum, 40 Presidential Drive. Also speaking is Gold Star family member Tony Cordero. The program will begin with a flyover by the Torrance-based Tiger Squadron, weather permitting. Before the program, the Los Angeles Police Concert Band and harpist Thomas Baker will perform at 9 a.m. Reservations are recommended at www.reaganfoundation.org under program and events.

Ventura

Tall ship Mystic Whaler will dock at Ventura Harbor for Memorial Day weekend and a few days beyond.
Tall ship Mystic Whaler will dock at Ventura Harbor for Memorial Day weekend and a few days beyond.

1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday: Tall ship Mystic Whaler tours will take place at Ventura Harbor Village. A $5 donation is requested. The 110-foot schooner will be at the harbor’s C-Dock through Thursday. For details, see www.venturaharborvillage.com.

Westlake Village

11 a.m. Monday: A ceremony will take place at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks-Griffin Memorial Park, 5600 Lindero Canyon Road. There will be a flyover and music including a band, which will play at 10:30 a.m. before the program. To learn more, visit, www.facebook.com/PierceBrosValleyOaks.

Dave Mason covers East County for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at dave.mason@vcstar.com or 805-437-0232.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Memorial Day commemorations planned in Ventura County