On November 11, 2025, Forest Lawn Memorial-Parks & Mortuaries (Glendale) held its 66th annual Veterans Day celebration outside the Hall of Liberty at the Hollywood Hills location. The public event honored members of the U.S. armed forces with a flyover, patriotic music, an invocation and benediction, a color guard, a wreath-laying, and more. Michael Ellington, a 36-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), served as master of ceremonies.

Program highlights included: a keynote speech by Capt. LaStacia Neat, aide to the California State Guard commanding general; a presidential proclamation by LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton; an invocation and benediction by Monsignor Frank Hicks of St. Basil’s Catholic Church in Los Angeles; and remarks by Los Angeles Council Member John Lee of District 12.

In addition, the LAPD Honor Guard posted and retired the colors, and the LAPD performed an Honor Guard salute. Music performances were provided by the Los Angeles Police Concert Band; Harry Farrar, pipe major of Scottish Pipes & Drums; Walter Salvari and the St. Patrick’s Catholic School Drum Corps; soloist Heather Catalena; and pianist Michael Parnell.

The Veterans Day tribute included a sign-language interpreter for all event speakers and song lyrics, as well as a military flyover by the Condor Squadron, refreshments and commemorative giveaways.

“We are honored to recognize the members of the United States military this Veterans Day,” said Rodolfo Saenz, senior vice president of marketing at Forest Lawn. “We look forward to bringing the community together to show gratitude for the service of individual veterans and the ideals of freedom and equality that they work to protect.” ForestLawn.com