I had the honor of photographing the 78th annual Memorial Day service at Loma Vista Memorial Park in Fullerton, Ca. on May 30th, 2016. This tradition started way back in 1939 and is the longest running Memorial Day service in Orange County. This year's theme was Women in the Military. Here's the highlights...

(You can view the entire photo gallery here. If you attended and would like a complimentary copy of an image for personal use please contact me with the request.)

Nearly 400 volunteers helped put together this Memorial Day event including many that arrived at the cemetery at 330 AM to set up more than 4000 white crosses and flags at the grave sites.

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The Fullerton Fire Department showed up in force. The highlight perhaps being their 1962 Engine Co. 5.

The Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts were also present, many handing souvenirs out.

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The Navy's JROTC participated impressively.

A Missing Man Formation Flyover was performed by Air Combat USA at the beginning of the service.

The Orange County Sheriff's Department helicopter also flew in honored guests.

Vice Admiral Nora Tyson, Navy Commanding Officer U.S. Third Fleet was the special guest speaker.

Presenting of the colors for this Memorial Day was led by the JROTC.

The Fullerton Police Department Color Guard raised the flag.

A Memorial Day invocation by the Fullerton Fire Department Chaplain.

97 year old Buck Catlin, the man who started this event several decades ago, was on hand. Catlin was a submarine commander in WWII and former Mayor of Fullerton.

A soloist sang the songs of each branch of the military. Members of that branch were asked to stand during their song.

This year's Memorial Day event featured special guest speaker Vice Admiral Nora Tyson. She addressed a large crowd. "Our military has proven that diversity makes us stronger, it increases our capability,” she said.

Tyson praised women’s increasing presence in the U.S. military. Currently, women make up about 15 percent of the U.S. armed forces.

“Female sailors are serving in roles of increasing responsibly because their performance warrants it,” she said.

Tyson also mourned and honored the more than 1 million men and women killed serving in U.S. wars.

“Each of those brave Americans served a common cause and shared an unwavering commitment and desire to be part of something greater than themselves,” she said.

Vice Admiral Nora Tyson was the first woman to command a U.S. fleet.

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Names of some of the fallen were read to a silent crowd.

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A moving ceremony included placement of a rose on the POW-MIA chair which sat vacant on the stage.

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Master of Ceremonies Ed Paul did an outstanding job of coordinating the event.

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Officers from the Fullerton Police Department perform a gun salute.

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And of course Amazing Grace by bagpipes courtesy of the Fullerton Police Department.

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Members of the Fullerton Fire Department.

It wasn't all solemn this Memorial Day as Vice Admiral Tyson had a little fun.

It was such an honor to be a part of such a great Memorial Day event. Thank you to all our men and women of the armed services!

Once again, you can view the entire photo gallery here. If you attended and would like a complimentary copy of an image for personal use please contact me with the request.

Memorial Day 2016 - Loma Vista, Fullerton, Ca.

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