First published in the May 28 print issue of the Glendale News Press.
The American Legion Post #288 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1614 hosted a Memorial Day celebration on Monday, May 30, at 8 a.m. located at Two Strike Park in La Crescenta.
The keynote speaker for the celebration was retired Col. Larry Icenogle of the U.S. Army, who has served his country in various capacities from 1971 to 2012. He is also a bugler with “Bugles Across America” and will play taps.
This year, local veteran Lt. Col. Gerald Rimpau of the U.S. Army Air Corp., will be honored at the ceremony. Lt. Col. Rimpau served his country during World War II and Korea. As a First Lieutenant during WWll, he flew more than 50 combat missions, four missions on D-Day and was shot down three times and survived. For his service and personal contributions during WWll, he received numerous citations including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart with one Oak Leaf Cluster and the Silver Star.
There will be a reading of the names of the fallen veterans from the Memorial Wall and a “POW/MIA Empty Table Ceremony.”
The American Legion Flag Detail will perform a flag-folding ceremony and will present the flag to the family of Lt. Col. Rimpau.
The Crescenta Valley High School U.S. Air Force Junior ROTC will perform the “Presentation of Colors.”
The Verdugo Hills Woman’s Chorus will perform the national anthem and “Amazing Grace.”
Cub Scout Pack #360 will conduct the “Presentation of Flowers,” which is sponsored by the American Legion Post #288.
