Memorial Day

Excerpts from a speech delivered at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial "Memory Day," April 16, 2001, by Anthony J. Principi, U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs. ... The historian Stephen Ambrose wrote, "A memorial's message is not just a remembrance of past sacrifice. It is a reminder to future generations that the torch of freedom is now theirs to carry; that the patriotism, the unity and the responsibility of war's generations cannot be relegated to stone and mortar merely to remember, but that these are values to nourish and maintain in each generation."

Joshua Pelzer McCAMBRIDGE PARK -- It was a time to honor local heroes as grateful residents gathered across Burbank and Glendale for Memorial Day celebrations. In Burbank, children carried small American flags while veterans were honored with poems, speeches and the city's community orchestra at McCambridge Park on Monday. Pictures of Burbank veterans and their biographies were on display, along with letters of gratitude from soldiers for the city's Hands Across the Battlefield, a citizens' support group for servicemen and servicewomen.

REAL ESTATE SECTION Homes, sweet homes Don't forget to take today's Real Estate Guide in the Leader, with listings in Burbank, Glendale and the foothills. SHOW BIZ A clean slate A Burbank resident has developed plexiglass slates to give producers and directors a stylish look while shooting films. See Page A10. INDEX Around Town, A12-13 Classifieds, A17-18 Community Forum, A2 Obituaries, A13 People, A5 Police Report, A13 Show Biz, A10 Sports, A15-16 Weekend, A4 HOLIDAY CLOSURES The following places will be closed Monday in observance of Memorial Day: All city offices, including City Hall.

Marshall Allen BURBANK -- Burbank residents showed their commitment to soldiers in Afghanistan and to those in previous wars during the city's Memorial Day celebration. About 500 people attended the ceremony Monday at McCambridge Park War Memorial, where the Hands Across the Battlefield program provided a personal connection to the soldiers in Afghanistan. Burbank resident Marc Cutter made a presentation about the work of the program, which has sent about 50 care packages in the past few months to soldiers overseas.

Laura Sturza BURBANK -- Memorial Day celebrations will take on a different meaning this year, event organizers said. "We want to remember all of the men and women who are currently serving in this war against terrorism," said Mickey DePalo, chairman of Burbank's Veterans Commemorative Committee and a Vietnam veteran. Because of those currently serving and those who have served, "we're lucky to have the freedom to go out and pursue whatever we want in life," DePalo said.

Karen S. Kim BURBANK -- Elle Milner, a 32-year-old Portland, Ore. resident, trekked her way through Burbank on Tuesday morning waving a full-size flag for supporters standing out on the streets. Beginning her trip in Portland on New Year's Day, Milner has been walking from city to city carrying the flag with other Americans she passes on her journey in remembrance of the victims of Sept. 11. Her trip is scheduled to end at the Statue of Liberty in New York on Memorial Day. On Tuesday, Milner's pilgrimage took her through Burbank via Victory Boulevard to Burbank Boulevard to San Fernando Road to Glendale.

Karen S. Kim MEDIA DISTRICT NORTH -- Though Gracie De La Pena didn't spend time in the Middle East during Operation Desert Storm, her service as a U.S. Marine Corps corporal in North Carolina during the war is a reminder of the experiences troops faced right here at home. The 38-year-old veteran, who moved to Burbank when she was 5 years old and who now works for Burbank's Park, Recreation and Community Services Department, will share her perspective during Monday's Memorial Day Ceremony at McCambridge Park.

TODAY Farmers' Market comes to town, rain or shine, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the 300 block of Orange Grove Avenue between Third Street and Glenoaks Boulevard. Beginners and pros alike can sharpen their line-dancing techniques at classes held Saturdays at the Joslyn Adult Center, 1301 W. Olive Ave. Intermediate classes are at 9 a.m., advanced classes at 10 a.m. and classes for beginners at 11 a.m. The fee is $2. For information, call 238-5353.