Forest Lawn to Host Nearly 1,000 Los Angeles Area Youth As Astronaut Buzz Aldrin Leads 2003 Pledge Across America

Glendale, Calif.,(PRWEB) September 9, 2003 – "Let every American, every lover of Liberty...support the Constitution. Let it be taught in schools, in seminaries and in colleges. Let it be written in primers, in spelling books and in almanacs. Let it be preached from the pulpit, proclaimed in legislative halls, and enforced in courts of justice."

These profound words spoken by Abraham Lincoln were the inspiration for the annual Pledge Across America to be held nationwide on Constitution Day, September 17, 2003. Locally, students, teachers and families will gather at Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills beginning at 10:00 a.m. for an educational program featuring representatives from local police, fire, military, and other civic groups interacting with area youth. Participants will be led in a national synchronized Pledge of Allegiance led by President Bush which takes place at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time.

Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, one of the first two men to walk on the moon, will lead the Pledge of Allegiance at Forest Lawn. Participants at Forest Lawn will gather on the forecourt of the Birth of Liberty Mosaic, America's largest historical mosaic, which depicts 25 famous historical American scenes from 1619-1787.
   
Pledge Across America" is an event designed to encourage united, patriotic observances for students nationwide and sets the stage for year-long instruction on citizenship, American principles, and American history. Participants will enjoy an authentic re-enactment of Iwo Jima Memorial by U.S. Marines from Camp Pendleton and hear the inspiring words of Academy Award-winning actor and U.S. Navy veteran Ernest Borgnine.

Forest Lawn is proud to support programs that educate our youth, instill patriotism, and build citizenship," said John Warren, senior vice president of marketing at Forest Lawn. By teaming with Celebration USA to bring this powerful event to the community, we are helping to create an opportunity to celebrate life in the United States."

Constitution Day provides an excellent opportunity to review some of the basic principles embodied in the revered documents of freedom. The Constitution has 4,400 words and is the oldest and shortest written constitution of any republican government in the world. The Preamble defines the noble purposes of government within a single, magnificent paragraph, and become familiar with the first 10 amendments, the Bill of Rights.

Forest Lawn regularly hosts a variety of cultural and civic programs as part of its commitment to providing Southern California residents with educational and cultural events that celebrate meaningful moments in life from around the world. Upcoming events include the Annual Veterans Day Celebration: A Salute to Special Operations on November 11th at Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills, featuring Command Sergeant Major Eric Haney, US Army (ret.) who was a founding member of Delta Force as the keynote speaker, and the The Art of a People: Polish Expressions" art exhibit continuing through November 16th at Forest Lawn-Glendale.

The program is open to the public at no charge, however reservations are required. The Birth of Liberty Mosaic, America's largest historical mosaic, as well as the unparalleled collection of art and architecture at Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills can be visited seven days a week between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills is located at 6300 Forest Lawn Dr., Los Angeles, Calif. 90068-1018. For more information or reservations, call 1-800-204-3131 ext. 4738 or visit 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, 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 have offered 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 ranging from educational programs, to art exhibits, childrens workshops, holiday celebrations, and grief counseling.
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