The Los Angeles City Council presented certificates of recognition to organizers of the Canoga Park Memorial Day parade and described the event as a long-running local tradition that commemorates service members and involves schools, veterans groups and community volunteers.

Why it matters: The parade is the city's only Memorial Day parade and organizers emphasized its educational purpose in preserving the memory of local service members and involving students and veterans.

What the council heard: Councilmember Bob Blumenfield introduced retired Navy Captain Bill Ratner and community leader Mary Rosito, who described the parade's history, wreath-laying ceremony and the portable memorial wall that contains names of Canoga Park High School graduates who died in service since World War II. Ratner and Rosito outlined the community-based logistics and thanked local agencies that support the event, including LAPD, LAFD, LADOT and LA Sanitation.

Council response: Councilmembers praised the volunteer organizers and noted the parade's role in connecting veterans, families and young people to the history of military service. Certificates of recognition were presented to the Canoga Park Community Center and parade leaders.

Ending: Organizers said the parade is a yearly reaffirmation of remembrance and a teaching moment for the community; the council encouraged continued support for local veterans programs.