We have lost a number of our young people to war over the years. For my generation it was Vietnam that took so many lives. Today it is Iraq and Afghanistan. It doesn't matter what party your identify with or your stance on the war. Memorial Day is a day to remember all who died in the service of their country.

Local Memorial Events:

REDONDO BEACH 1. The city of Redondo Beach invites South Bay veterans and residents to its 2009 Memorial Day ceremony from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Veterans Park by the Redondo Beach pier, at Catalina Avenue and Torrance Boulevard.

2. The Rev. Bhagavan Friend will hold his annual commemorative of his Empty Chair Memorial to America's Fallen Soldiers. The ceremony will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at 124 Sapphire St. For more information, call 310-540-6044 or go to http://www.emptychair.org/

RANCHO PALOS VERDES The 24th annual Memorial Day Observance at Green Hills Memorial Park will be from 10 a.m. to noon Monday. Keynote speaker will be Michael B. Donley, secretary of the Air Force. For more information call Green Hills Memorial Park is at 27501 S. Western Ave. in Rancho Palos Verdes. Call 310-521-4460M

TORRANCE Sen. Jenny Oropeza will be the keynote speaker at a service from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the James Armstrong Theatre, 3330 Civic Center Drive. The families of those killed while serving in the U.S. military will be presented with California flags that have flown over the state Capitol. Capt. Matthew Ferrara of Torrance, and Specialist Lester G. Roque of Torrance, are among those who will be honored. For more information, visit www.senate.ca.gov/oropeza or call 310-318-6994.