The City of Pasadena and the Pasadena Veterans Day Committee will pay tribute to 320 fallen heroes during the Pasadena Memorial Day Commemoration on Monday, May 27, 2024, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM at Memorial Park, 85 E. Holly St. The ceremony will honor those who lost their lives in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and other conflicts.
William “Bill” Paparian, former mayor of Pasadena known for his advocacy and activism and a veteran himself (Captain, Marine Corps), will serve as the Master of Ceremonies. The event will feature a reading of the names of the fallen, including James G. Rejebian, an Armenian-American killed in action on November 28, 1944, in the Philippines. Rejebian, born in New York in 1921, was the son of Armenian immigrants Krikor Rejebian and Kaden Albarian, and grew up in Pasadena with his brother and sister.
The ceremony will also include a missing man formation flyover by the Condor Squadron, paying tribute to those who did not return from battle. Funeral honors performed by the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines will conclude the event, symbolizing the respect and gratitude owed to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
This event is open to the public, and all community members are invited to join in remembrance and reflection. It is sponsored by the City of Pasadena Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) Department, The Rose Bowl Stadium, and the Pasadena Management Association.
To request materials in alternative formats or other accommodations, please contact (626) 744-7311. Providing at least 72 hours advance notice will help ensure availability.
As each name is read, it ensures that their legacy endures and their sacrifices are never forgotten.
