We have the distinction of having the oldest Memorial Day Observance in Orange County, California. The Fullerton Memorial Day observance began in 1938 when C. Stanley Chapman, a World War I veteran and son of the city’s first mayor, Charles Chapman, began the tradition of placing a small white wooden cross and a small American flag at the grave of each veteran at Loma Vista Memorial Park. Every year, about 40 veterans and service organizations under the banner of the American Veterans Memorial Association sponsor ceremonies at Loma Vista. Over 500 community volunteers place nearly 3000 flags and crosses on veteran’s graves each year.

Our Memorial Day themes have included: POWs/MIAs featuring Mrs. Sybil Stockdale (wife of Commander James Stockdale); Astronauts, Capt. David C. Leetsma, U.S. Navy, NASA Astronaut; Medal of Honor recepient, Mitchell Paige. U.S.M..C; Airborne, featuring BGEN Bernie Negrete, US Army, 82 Airborne Division Support commander; Chaplains in the Service, the USO, Coast Guard, Peace Officers, Nurses, Submariners, Merchant Marines, Firefighters, and Men and Women of the Air Corps.

The Avenue of Flags is one of our Memorial Day traditions. Large flags, which have been donated to Loma Vista Memorial Park by the families of interred veterans, fly high in front of the park along Bastanchury Road, and throughout the park creating a beautiful picture.

We annually hold an Easter Sunrise Service sponsored by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and Loma Vista Memorial Park