*(Inglewood, CA) – A large crowd gathered on the South Lawn of Inglewood City Hall on Monday, May 29, 2023. The ceremony began at 11:00 a.m. in front of the Memorial Obelisk Monument at One Manchester Boulevard. This special occasion was the City of Inglewood’s 74th Annual Memorial Day Service. 74th Annual Memorial Day Service recognizes past and present war heroes while honoring men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice of giving their lives while servicing the United States Armed Forces.
The weather was overcast, with a pleasant chill on this solemn day of remembrance and reflection.
Veterans, their families, and the community joined Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts, Jr., Councilmembers Gloria D. Gray, District 1; Alex Padilla, District 2; Eloy Morales Jr., District 3; and Dionne Faulk, District 4. Captain Dee Bernardo represented the Inglewood Police Department. State Senator Steven Bradford, SD-35, and Congresswoman Maxine Waters, CD-43 were also in attendance.
Star Manning, Jr. Vice Commander, VFW Post 2122 served as Mistress of Ceremony. The Presentation of Colors, the American Legion Auxiliary, Jackie Robinson Post Unit 252, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Henry Brown, Chaplain Emeritus, American Legion Post 578 provided the Opening Invocation.
Elliott McKenzie, U.S. Marine Corps Iraq War Veteran/R&B Singer and Songwriter showcased his beautiful voice on three selections throughout the program. “Star Spangled Banner,” “America The Beautiful,” and “God Bless America” to the delight of all in attendance.
This writer was honored to take part in the Recognition of Veterans. Each Veteran introduced him/herself to the crowd, stated their branch of Military, rank and years served.
Congresswomen Maxine Waters and Senator Steven Bradford delivered warm remarks.
Billy R. Zinnerman, Sergeant Major USMC (retired) keynote speaker for the Memorial Day Address. The speech was funny as he shared how he initially became a Marine. Mr. Zinnerman speech was encouraging and inspiring.
Commendations and Special Recognitions were presented. Followed by La Brea Heights Service Unit Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles assisted in Placing of Memorial Flowers at the Memorial Obelisk Monument.
The program concluded with Benediction, by Reverend Curtis Gould, Chaplain, American Legion Post 578, and Retiring the Colors, American Legion Auxiliary Jackie Robinson Unit 252 Color Guard, and ending with the playing of Taps.
Thank You was extended to various local and community-based organizations involved in the ceremony.
American Legion Auxiliary Jackie Robinson Unit 252 Color Guard
Billy R. Zinnerman, Sergeant Major USMC (retired)
Elliott McKenzie, U.S. Marine Corps Iraq War Veteran/R&B Singer and Songwriter
Gerry Blake, VFW Post 2122
Lamont Duncan, VFW Post 2122
Henry Brown, American Legion Post 578
Jerry Givens, Musical Director
La Brea Heights Service Unit of Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles
Reverend Curtis Gould, American Legion Post 578
Participating Organizations
Mother’s Gold Star
American Legion Chappie James Post 578
American Legion Jackie Robinson Post 252
American Legion Auxiliary Jackie Robinson Post
National Veterans Affairs Foreign Wars
Sons of the American Legion
Veteran’s Foreign Wars Post 2122
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