Annual Memorial Day program again set for Pierce Bros. Valley Oaks




Annual Memorial Day program again set for Pierce Bros. Valley Oaks


Producing this year’s Memorial Day show at Pierce Bros. Valley Oaks Cemetery has turned out to be one of Hal Geer’s biggest challenges to date.


Geer, who’s put together each of the last 11 Memorial Day events at the Westlake Village cemetery, said the nation’s fervent patriotic mood could draw as many as 4,000 spectators. But he said it’s been difficult to line up performers and guests due to the nation’s military’s involvement abroad.


"Afghanistan and Iraq just had everybody so confused," said Geer, a former U.S. Army major who served as a combat photographer in World War II. "I talked to a man one day the next day he was gone and it just kept going that way all down the line."


But at 10:15 a.m. on Mon., May 26, the show will go on—perhaps bigger and better than ever.


Camp Pendleton Marines and Port Hueneme Seabees who recently returned from duty in Iraq will be on hand for a special presentation. In addition, F-15 and F-16 fighters from Edwards Air Force Base will fly overhead.


Plenty of outdoor seating will be provided, said Geer, a former vice president and executive producer at Warner Brothers.


The program will begin with a musical performance by the Westlake High School Wind Ensemble, recently back from a national competition in Akron, Ohio. Also performing new this year will be the Cal State University Northridge Philharmonic


The Amen Choir from the Shepherd of the Hills Church in Northridge and the Valley Airs Choir from the San Fernando Valley will provide a vocal backdrop as the likes of "Abraham Lincoln" and "Patrick Henry" perform on stage.


A color guard and rifle salute will contribute to the sense of patriotism.


"The least we can do is set aside a few hours from our frantic lives of hustle and bustle to say, ‘We will always remember,’" said Ken Rufener, a retired lieutenant colonel and former mayor of Westlake Village.


The Conejo-Simi Valley chapter of the Military Officers Association is helping to produce the show, which concludes at noon.


The event is free to the public and people are advised to arrive and park their vehicles early.


The park is located at 5600 Lindero Canyon Road in Westlake Village.


—John Loesing



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