Memorial Day Events Set to Honor Service and Sacrifice

Moreno Valley patriots are invited to make Monday, May 30 a special Memorial Day with two events scheduled to honor and remember fallen military servicemen and women, and their families. Memorial Day activities will include a parade in the morning and a community gathering at the Moreno Valley Veterans Memorial in the afternoon. Together, these two events will create a Memorial Day to remember for Moreno Valley residents, veterans, and families of those who have lost their lives in service to our nation. West Coast Thunder Motorcycle Parade Patriots in Moreno Valley will come together to enjoy the West Coast Thunder Memorial Day Bike Run/Parade at approximately 9:30 a.m. on Sunnymead Boulevard. During this event, thousands of motorcycles travel eastbound between Frederick and Heacock Streets. The parade will last approximately one hour. Mayor Gutierrez is thrilled that West Coast Thunder incorporates Moreno Valley into their parade. "Considering Moreno Valley's military heritage, the parade significantly enhances the events of the day for Moreno Valley residents. We are proud to join West Coast Thunder in honoring our true American heroes," said Mayor Gutierrez. Street closures will begin at approximately 8:30 a.m. to assist with the safety of all pedestrians and vehicles during this event. For road closure details, visit the event page at www.moval.org. Information about West Coast Thunder can be found at www.westcoastthunder.com. Memorial Day Ceremony, Honoring Service and Sacrifice The Mayor and City Council invites the community to the 9th annual Memorial Day Ceremony at 2 p.m., at the Moreno Valley Veterans Memorial to honor military service and sacrifice. Several community groups are uniting to provide the community with the ceremony. The keynote speaker is the Senior Chaplain for the 452d Air Mobility Wing, March Air Reserve Base. Chaplain Colonel Givens began service with the United States Air Force in 1986 and served 11 years. After a 3 year break, he returned to service in the Air Force Reserve and has also served students at Azusa Pacific University as an adjunct faculty member for more than 25 years. The growing list of special guests includes: • Moreno Valley City Council • Blue Eagles Honor Guard • Moreno Valley Master Chorale • Knights of Columbus A. F. Chelbana Assembly • Student Speaker, Vista Heights Middle School • Moreno Valley High School Combined Choirs • Moreno Elementary Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Light refreshments will be served following the ceremony. Artwork created by elementary school students to illustrate what Memorial Day means to them will be on display. Honoring Departing and Returning Troops Each year on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, the City of Moreno Valley serves as a collection site for donations of peanut butter and jelly in support of Hangar 385, a volunteer supported hospitality service for departing and returning war zone soldiers at March Air Reserve Base. Please bring your donation of peanut butter and jelly to the Memorial Day Ceremony. Historic Route 395 The Moreno Valley Historical Society, in conjunction with the Moreno Valley Environmental and Historical Preservation Board, is hosting a dedication and ribbon cutting event to celebrate recognition of the Historic Route 395 as part of Moreno Valley. The event will be held 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit the Moreno Valley Historical Society online for more information. For more information about these and other events, please visit the Memorial Day events page, the community calendar, or call the City office at (951) 413-3008.