Memorial Day weekend in and around Anaheim is full of options to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. The nearby Anaheim Cemetery Memorial Day Program includes three local cemeteries with events starting at 11 a.m. Hosted by the Orange County Cemetery District, visitors can head to the Anaheim Cemetery, El Toro Memorial Park, or Santa Ana Cemetery for an honor guard gun salute and the presentation of wreaths. Admission is free.

Irvine offers two events, one on Sunday and the other on Monday. On Sunday, the event starts at 4 p.m. at The Northwood Memorial Cemetery. Special talks and presentations by Gold Star families are scheduled. Monday at 10 a.m., the City of Irvine hosts the yearly ceremony. Meet at the formal garden within Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park to write your remembrance on a message board.

Never Forget

In Laguna Hills, the weekend is marked by the Memorial Day Half Marathon in honor of US Marine Corps Dark Horse Battalion. This popular event takes runners and walkers across the Laguna Hills streets and cities of Aliso Viejo, Laguna Woods, and Laguna Niguel. There are also half marathon, 10k, and 5k options.

The event at San Clemente is an homage to all fallen soldiers. It features bagpipers, patriotic music, and a flower ceremony. The free event takes place at 11 a.m. at the Community Center, located at 100 N. Calle Seville in San Clemente.