Annual Memorial Day Celebrations: Remember Our Nations Veterans; Legendary Actor Art Linkletter to Keynote at Hollywood Hills

Thousands expected to attend ceremonies at Forest Lawn Memorial-Parks and Mortuaries in Hollywood Hills, Covina Hills, Cypress, and Long Beach to remember, honor, and pay their respects to Americas living and deceased heroes.

GLENDALE, Calif., May 19, 2003 -- Forest Lawn Memorial-Parks and Mortuaries will once again host Memorial Day Ceremonies at its parks in Hollywood Hills, Covina Hills, Cypress, and Long Beach on May 26, 2003 beginning at 11:00 a.m. Ceremonies at each park are designed around the theme, Remember Our Nations Veterans" and will feature patriotic music, color guards, special guest speakers, and activities. All events are open to the public at no charge.

For nearly 40 years, our parks have provided the ideal gathering place for our communities to celebrate and remember the men, women and children in their lives who have made a difference -- living or deceased," said John Warren, senior vice president, marketing for Forest Lawn. Not only do we welcome the participation of our community as attendees, but we are pleased to include representatives from a variety of organizations and schools in our programs."

Ceremonies at every park will include city and presidential proclamations, wreath laying ceremonies, bagpipes, buglers, a rifle salute, and color guards. Attendees will be greeted and assisted by Forest Lawn staff as well as volunteer Boy and Girl Scouts representing Troops and Councils throughout Los Angeles and Orange counties.

In addition to consistent program elements, each park will feature ceremonies and participants representing their local community:

•   Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills -- Legendary actor Art Linkletter will provide the keynote address with representatives of the United States Marines and the United States Army as well as the Hollywood High School Marching Band and the Union Avenue Drum and Bugle Corps leading prayer, ceremonies, and patriotic music. A special wreath honoring those who served will be placed by Sgt. Thomas D. Wood, Distinguished Service Cross United States Army, Legion of Valor. Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills is located at 6300 Forest Lawn Drive in Los Angeles.

•   Forest Lawn-Covina Hills -- A special musical tribute designed to remember veterans is planned for Covina Hills featuring pieces performed by the Pueri Cantores from the San Gabriel Valley and the Claremont Symphonic Winds. Presentations and ceremonies will be conducted by representatives of the Lutheran High School Navy JROTC, the California Army National Guard, 40th DISCOM, and the Blue Eagles Total Force Honor Guards from Edwards Air Force Base. A wreath in memory of those who served will be placed by Gunnery Sgt. Leon R. Burns, United States Marine Corp. (Ret.), Legion of Valor. Forest Lawn Covina Hills is located at 21300 Via Verde Drive in Covina.

•   Forest Lawn-Cypress -- Lt. Walter D. Ehlers, recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor for service in World War II will provide the keynote address. Throughout the ceremony, representatives of every branch of the United States Armed Forces will join to commemorate the men and women who served in military operations including Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Afghanistan, Vietnam, the Korean War, World War I, World War II, the Spanish-American War and others. A special Advancing of the Colors will include representatives from Veterans groups, the American Legion, and other military organizations. A musical tribute will be provided by the Western High School Band. Forest Lawn-Cypress is located at 4471 Lincoln Avenue in Cypress.

•   Forest Lawn-Long Beach -- The ceremony will begin with a Memorial March including representatives of Veterans Groups, the American Legion, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and active branches of the United States Armed Forces. Lt. Col. Thomas Reeves, a member of the California Air National Guard and current Long Beach City Prosecutor will deliver the keynote address. Throughout the event, musical tributes and medleys will be performed by the Sharp Sounds Big Band. The placement of memorial wreaths will honor those who served in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Somalia/Bosnia, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Forest Lawn-Long Beach is located at 1500 E. San Antonio in Long Beach.
   All attendees will be provided with patriotic items including flags and sun visors. Water will be provided by Forest Lawn. For more information on these events contact 1-800-204-3131 or www.forestlawn.com.
About Forest Lawn
   Forest Lawn Memorial-Parks and Mortuaries have been serving the greater Los Angeles area for nearly 100 years through its five parks in Long Beach, Cypress, Hollywood Hills, Covina Hills, and Glendale where the company is headquartered. In addition to the Memorial-Parks, Forest Lawn offers a wide range of products and services including funeral planning, funeral insurance, and mortuary services. Known for its pristine and serene environments sprinkled with architectural masterpieces -- both original works and reproductions -- the Memorial-Parks offer solace, respite and peace to visitors. A dedicated member of the community, Forest Lawn regularly creates and hosts a diverse schedule of special events and community services including educational programs, art exhibits, childrens workshops, holiday celebrations, and grief counseling. For more information call: 1-800-204-3131, or log-on to: www.forestlawn.com.
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