May 30, 2023 | Local, Los Angeles, Valleys

City of Inglewood-74th Annual Memorial Day Service

A large crowd gathered on the South Lawn of Inglewood City Hall on Monday, May 29, 2023. The ceremony began at 11:00 a.m. in front of the Memorial Obelisk Monument at One Manchester Boulevard.

Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts, Jr., and Star Manning, USMC (Photo by Ricky Richardson)

By Ricky Richardson | Contributing Writer

(Inglewood, CA) – A large crowd gathered on the South Lawn of Inglewood City Hall on Monday, May 29, 2023. The ceremony began at 11:00 a.m. in front of the Memorial Obelisk Monument at One Manchester Boulevard.

The occasion was the City of Inglewood 74th Annual Memorial Day Service. 74th Annual Memorial Day Service recognizes past and present war heroes while honoring men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice of giving their lives while servicing the United States Armed Forces.

The weather was overcast, with a pleasant chill on this solemn day of remembrance and reflection.

Congresswoman Maxine Waters and La Bea Heights Service Unit of Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles (Photo by Ricky Richardson)

Veterans, their family and the community joined Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts, Jr., Councilmembers Gloria D. Gray, District 1; Alex Padilla, District 2; Eloy Morales Jr., District 3; and Dionne Faulk, District 4. Captain Dee Bernardo represented the Inglewood Police Department. State Senator Steven Bradford, SD-35, and Congresswoman Maxine Waters, CD-43 was also in attendance.

Star Manning, USMC, Councilmembers Eloy Morales, Jr., Dionne Faulk, Mayor James T. Butts, Jr., Billy R. Zinnerman, and Sergeant Major USMC (Retired), Councilmembers Gloria D. Gray, Alex Padilla and Senator Steven Bradford (Photo by Ricky Richardson)

Star Manning, Jr. Vice Commander, VFW Post 2122 served as Mistress of Ceremony. The Presentation of Colors, the American Legion Auxiliary, Jackie Robinson Post Unit 252 and the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Invocation by Henry Brown, Chaplain Emeritus, American Legion Post 578. Elliott McKenzie, U.S. Marine Corps Iraq War Veteran/R&B Singer and Songwriter showcased his beautiful voice on three selections throughout the program. “Star Spangled Banner,” “America The Beautiful,” and “God Bless America” to the delight of all in attendance.

This writer was honored to take part in the Recognition of Veterans. Each Veteran introduced him/herself to the crowd, stated their branch of Military, rank and years served.

Congresswomen Maxine Waters and Senator Steven Bradford delivered warm remarks.

Billy R. Zinnerman, Sergeant Major USMC (retired) keynote speaker for the Memorial Day Address. The speech was funny as he shared how he initially became a Marine. Mr. Zinnerman speech was encouraging and inspiring.

Commendations and Special Recognitions were presented. La Brea Heights Service Unit Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles assisted in Placing of Memorial Flowers at the Memorial Obelisk Monument.

Posting of Colors, American Legion Auxiliary Jackie Robinson Unit 252 Color Guard (Photo by Ricky Richardson)

The program concluded with Benediction, Reverend Curtis Gould, Chaplain, American Legion Post 578, Retire the Colors, American Legion Auxiliary Jackie Robinson Unit 252 Color Guard, followed by the playing of Taps.

Thank You was extended to various local and community based organizations involved in the ceremony.

American Legion Auxiliary Jackie Robinson Unit 252 Color Guard