2025 Memorial Day Event
Wreath:(L-R) US Rep Derek T. Tran & Vice Ch Mike Laughlin. Front Row: (L-R) Artesia Mayor Ali Taj, Trustee Arturo Sanchez Jr, Chair Mike Wada, Trustee Aurelia Palhinha, Trustee Allison Stewart, ABCUSD Pres Ernie Nishi, LA Co Supervisor Field Deputy Lauren Yokomizo, Zeel Ahir
Chair Mike Wada welcomes all guests and local leaders
Vice Chair Mike Laughlin, who is a Navy veteran, conducts program for the Board
Guest speaker US Representative Derek T. Tran gives speech to the public
Guest speaker US Representative Derek T. Tran gives speech to the public
Guests in attendance
LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn's Field Deputy, Lauren Yokomizo presents the Board with a Certificate
Trustee Arturo Sanchez, Jr. introduces the importance of the Red Poppy Remembrance
Trustee Allison Stewart introduces the importance of the Missing Man Table
Missing Man Table (aka: Fallen Soldier Table)
Memorial Display
TAPS is played by Gahr HS Student Zachary Gonzales
TAPS is played by Gahr HS Student Zachary Gonzales
Rifle Volley is presented by VFW 4th District Honor Guard
Local Elected Officials and Leaders present flowers to each branch of the military
US Representative Derek T. Tran, as an Army Veteran, presented flowers to the Army branch plaque
Artesia Cemetery Board of Trustees: (L-R) Arturo Sanchez, Jr., Mike Wada, Mike Laughlin, Aurelia Palhinha, and Allison Stewart
Artesia Cemetery Board of Trustees presents wreath in memory of fallen soldiers
Chair Mike Wada gives closing comments
US Representative Derek T. Tran meets local residents
US Representative Derek T. Tran meets Downey Cemetery District Trustee Brian Heyman
US Representative Derek T. Tran meets local residents
US Representative Derek T. Tran meets local residents
Local Veterans join Memorial Day event with Trustee Arturo Sanchez, Jr.
Three veterans and three cemetery trustees: (L-R) Downey Cemetery Trustee Brian Heyman, Artesia Cemetery Vice Chair Mike Laughlin, and Artesia Cemetery Trustee Arturo Sanchez, Jr
Elected Officials: (L-R) ABC USD Board President Ernie Nishi, Artesia Council Member Zeel Ahir, US Representative Derek T. Tran, and Artesia Mayor Ali Taj
US Representative Derek T. Tran meets local residents
Chair Mike Wada and Trustee Aurelia Palhinha meet with guests
Trustee Arturo Sanchez, Jr. and Trustee Aurelia Palhinha meet with guests
Artesia Mayor Ali Taj thanks Veterans for their service
US Representative Derek T. Tran meets local supporters Norma and Alan Williamson
Chair Mike Wada speaking with Veteran from the VFW 4th District Honor Guard
US Representative Derek T. Tran meets Chair Mike Wada
US Representative Derek T. Tran meets local residents
(L-R) Artesia Council Member Zeel Ahir, Artesia Mayor Ali Taj and Miss Artesia Pageant Director Linda Gonzalez
Great food provided by Mr. Rosewoods Restaurant in Norwalk
Artesia Cemetery Veterans Memorial