As Memorial Day approaches, I want to encourage First District residents to attend our local ceremonies and activities. This special day is dedicated to remembering and honoring the brave men and women who laid down their lives for our nation.

This year, the Town of Apple Valley Memorial Day Ceremony will take place from 8 a.m. to noon on Monday, May 27, at Civic Center Park. This is a beautiful opportunity to come together as a community and pay tribute to our local and national heroes. The ceremony will feature a “Fill the Hill” activity, where American flags will be available for families to personalize with a message in memory of a loved one. These flags will then be displayed throughout the park, creating a powerful visual representation of our collective gratitude. Civic Center Park is at 14999 Dale Evans Parkway, Apple Valley.

The annual Wrightwood Memorial Day Ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. Monday at the Wrightwood Veterans Memorial. This event promises a moving program with a military fly-over, presentations, speeches, and a chance to show our appreciation for both active duty personnel and veterans from all branches of the military. The Wrightwood Veterans Memorial is at 1274 Irene Street, Wrightwood.

The Phelan VFW Post 9415 is hosting their Memorial Day ceremony at 11 a.m. Monday. Join them for the raising of the flag and a solemn Flag Retirement Ceremony by Boy Scout Troop 351. The ceremony will be held at the VFW Post, located at 4892 Nielson Rd, Phelan. Everyone is welcome. PS: Look for the VFW Auxiliary handing out poppies (symbols of remembrance) in front of Stater Bros. this Memorial Day weekend.

For those seeking a more permanent way to honor a fallen service member, the Mojave Cross Veterans Memorial in Goffs offers the opportunity to purchase a commemorative brick. These engraved bricks are a lasting tribute displayed at the memorial. TheWrightwood Veterans Memorial also sells memorial dedication bricks. No matter how you choose to participate, Memorial Day is a chance to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have served our country. Let us come together this year to remember, honor and express our deepest gratitude.