Area Event: Pioneer Cemetery Memorial Day Observance

The historic San Fernando Pioneer Memorial Cemetery in Sylmar will host a free Memorial Day Observance for the public at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 30, 2011.

Sponsored by the San Fernando Valley Historical Society for the 9th consecutive year, the event will include a U.S. flag-raising and 21-volley rifle salute and “Taps” performed by the All Veteran’s Burial Squad. Five Civil War veterans buried at the cemetery will be honored in a presentation about the Civil War, coinciding with the national 150th anniversary observance of the Civil War.

Visitors will also be given an update on the results of the recent ground penetrating radar survey conducted to find unmarked grave sites at the cemetery.

During the observance, the public will be invited to buy a memorial brick ($60) to help support the cemetery. A special brick will be installed in the cemetery entrance honoring Sylmar resident Marine Cpl. Julio Vargas, who perished in Afghanistan last July.

The old cemetery is located at 14451 Bledsoe St., Sylmar, at the corner of Foothill Boulevard and Bledsoe. (Directions: From the 210 Freeway, exit at Polk Street and go south to Foothill. Turn right onto Foothill and drive a half mile to the stoplight at Bledsoe. Parking in rear of cemetery.)

For additional information, please call 818-365-5860 or visit www.sfvhs.com.