Honoring our fallen heroes

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“Long Beach certainly knows how to throw a parade. People turn out in droves, it’s really inspiring,” City Manager Jack Schnirman said of what city officials called a larger-than-average turnout for the Memorial Day Parade on May 25.

Gold Star mother Rosemary Wagner served as the Grand Marshal this year, while Schnirman acted as Master of Ceremonies. The American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars were joined by city, county and state officials and local organizations to honor the sacrifices made by the men and women of the United States armed forces. City Council President Len Torres and Councilman Anthony Eramo also spoke.

The parade began at Ohio Avenue and West Beech Street at 10 a.m. and wound its way through the city to the bandstand on Park Avenue in front of City Hall.

The Memorial Day Parade has been a Long Beach tradition since the 1920s with more than 50 organizations participating. Thousands of spectators came out to line the city streets and cheer for those that made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Veterans held a solemn ceremony following the parade at the VFW monument on Grand Boulevard and West Park Avenue.