Tip of the hat – Redondo Beach Memorial Day ceremony

U.S. Navy Midshipman Summer Rogers replaces the hat of a sea cadet during the flag-folding ceremony of a breezy Memorial Day event at Veterans Park May 30.

Congressman Ted Lieu delivered remarks, as did state Assemblyman Al Muritsachi, among others. The Redondo Union High School Wind Ensemble provided music. 

“Memorial Day is the most expensive holiday of the year,” said Master of Ceremonies Tom Lasser, who flew Army helicopters in Vietnam. “Every one of those hot dogs and hamburgers were paid for by the lives of American soldiers.”

The flag flown at Veterans Park is retired and replaced twice per year, on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. The decommissioned flag Monday was presented to Lt. Joseph Pruitt of Hermosa Beach, a Naval Academy graduate who spent six years in active duty as a helicopter pilot. Photo by Garth Meyer. ER

 

The annual Memorial Day ceremony begins under sunny skies at Veterans Park. Photo by Garth Meyer

 

Master of Ceremonies Tom Lasser, Army Lt. Colonel (Ret.) addresses the crowd. Photo by Garth Meyer

 

RUHS band director Ray Vizcarra conducts the wind ensemble as it plays themes of each military branch – while servicemembers stand up. Photo by Garth Meyer

 

Marine Corps veteran Anne Koskinen of Redondo Beach gives a salute from the wings. Photo by Garth Meyer

 

The line forms at the Redondo Beach Elks Lodge barbecue following the ceremony. Photo by Garth Meyer
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