 
 On Memorial Day, we honor all who gave their lives defending our nation. We pause to pay tribute to their patriotism. Their sacrifice is remembered, today and always.
 VA Long Beach earned a 4‑star rating in the 2026 CMS Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings — up from 3 stars last year!
This recognition reflects our team’s commitment to safe, timely, high‑quality care for Veterans.
Nationwide, 78% of VA hospitals received 4 or 5 stars this year, continuing VA’s strong performance.
 VA Long Beach Police hosted "Coffee with a Cop"on Tuesday morning outside of building 126 to chat with Veterans and staff.
What an incredible day at VA Long Beach last Friday!
Our Adaptive Sports Expo was full of energy, inspiration, and community. Veterans showed us what’s possible through adaptive archery, basketball, rock climbing, and so much more. Their resilience and determination were on full display — and absolutely awe‑inspiring.
With more than 30 community partners on site, guests and staff explored resources, learned about adaptive equipment, and discovered new ways to stay active and connected.
Thank you to everyone who came out to participate, cheer, and celebrate! Days like this remind us what community is all about.
 Last week, in honor of National Police Week, we took a behind‑the‑scenes look at our VA Long Beach Police Department.
Viewers are able to see inside our VA Long Beach Police Department for an exclusive station tour. From dedicated patrol teams to dispatch operations, every corner reflects their commitment to keeping our Veterans, staff, and visitors safe—24/7.
Thank you to the men and women of VA Long Beach Police for protecting those who served.
 VA Long Beach's annual VA Baby Shower was a huge success!
Twenty‑five Veteran moms joined us for this year’s theme: “Parenting is an Adventure.”
The event featured a resource fair with amazing community partners and VA programs like Whole Health, brunch courtesy of our Center for Development & Civic Engagement (CDCE), fun games, prizes, an opportunity drawing for big baby essentials, and tons of generous gifts—clothing, diaper backpacks, grooming supplies, diapers, wipes, gift cards, and more.
We’re honored to support our Veteran parents on their journey!
 
In honor of Memorial Day, VA Long Beach will host a flag planting at the Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center on Friday, May 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Canteen and Building 126 Entrance.
Event Schedule:
- POW Table Rededication: 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. in the Canteen
- Annual Memorial Day Flag Planting (between 7th Street entrance and Building 126): 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
 The Veterans Social Connection (VSC) provides Veterans with an opportunity to meet and socialize in a safe environment and offers resources for Veterans. The VSC is held on the last Friday of each month (except during holidays) from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on the Patriot Cafe Patio. Come by May 29!
 Calling all Veterans!
Our next Town Hall is coming up. Help spread the word - If you know a Veteran who hasn’t attended a Town Hall before, invite them to join you. We’ll cover important updates, resources, and upcoming events.
Open to ALL Veterans.
Friday, May 29, 2026
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The Egg (Bldg. 165, Rm. D101)
 Join us on Friday, June 5, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in "The Egg" for a special gathering created by and for Women Veterans!
Connect with fellow Women Veterans, discover helpful VA resources, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon featuring:
• Light refreshments
• Crafts
• Journaling
• Raffles
RSVP today and be part of a supportive community celebrating connection, creativity, and empowerment. We look forward to seeing you there!
 
 When: May 22, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: American Gold Star Manor, 3021 N. Gold Star Dr., Long Beach, CA 90810
On behalf of American Gold Star Manor, we warmly invite you to join us for our Annual Memorial Day Ceremony as we come together to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.
The ceremony will take place on Friday, May 22nd at 11:00 a.m. in our Memorial Gardens. The ceremony will be followed by a light lunch and networking with local organizations and leaders. This meaningful gathering brings together our community with the greater Long Beach area as we reflect on our non-profit mission of supporting Gold Star Parents and Veterans.
We would be honored by your presence. To RSVP, please complete the RSVP form or email us directly.
When: May 23 | 11:00 a.m.
Where: Cottonwood Church, 4505 Katella Ave, Los Alamitos, CA 90720
Cottonwood Church will host a Memorial Day Luncheon on Saturday, May 23. It will include a parade and the 4th Annual Charles Cruz Veterans Award Ceremony.
- Doors open at 11:00 a.m.
- Parade at 11:30 a.m.
- Lunch starts at noon
Heroes Wall: Bring a photo of your favorite Veteran to put on display!
Includes Resource Tables, Special Presentations, and Raffle Prizes. Those with classic cars or motorcycles, please contact Doreen directly.
RSVP to Chaplain Doreen Matsumoto at 714-809-1658 or doreendabo@yahoo.com. * You must RSVP with Doreen for the luncheon.
When: May 23 | 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Shoreline Aquatic Park, 200 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA
Program begins at 1:00 p.m.
- Live Music
- Historical Displays
- Info Fair
Limited free parking in Navy Memorial Lot. Carpool and public transit is encouraged.
Paid parking at Aquarium/Queensway Bay Garage (99 Aquarium Way)
When: May 25, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: Veterans Park, 309 Esplanade, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Traditional hometown Memorial Day observation in Redondo Beach at the Veterans Memorial in beautiful Veterans Park by the Redondo Pier. The one hour ceremony will begin at 1:00 p.m. and end at 2:00 p.m., Monday, May 25. This event will include commentary, music, recognition and formal military honors to the fallen. Memorial Day is a solemn occasion dedicated to remembering and mourning the men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States military.
Keynote speaker is Captain Blaine Pitkin, Commander, Navy Munitions Command, Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach. Also participating is Lindsey Sin, USN veteran, Secretary of California Department of Veterans Affairs (Cal Vet).
Mayor Jim Light of Redondo Beach will provide a civic greeting. Asm. Al Muratsuchi and other local officials, community leaders, Veterans and military dignitaries will participate.
Music will be provided by the the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band, United States Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
The American flag flown over the Memorial will be retired and formally presented to a local Veteran.
The ceremony is supported by the Coastal Naval Sea Cadets, Redondo High Marine Corps Junior ROTC, the Scouts and United USA Pageant Legacy Maker Academy.
For more information visit the Redondo Beach Veterans Memorial website.
The ceremony will be followed by a BBQ hosted by the Redondo Elks Lodge in their parking lot south of the Lodge adjacent to Veterans Park. The BBQ is complimentary for veterans, members of the military and first responders. Five dollars for all others.
The Redondo Beach Memorial Day ceremony is open to the public. Media invited.
The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA. Veterans should verify the information with the organization offering.
VA invites Veterans, their families, caregivers, survivors and the public to honor fallen service members by attending Memorial Day ceremonies at VA National Cemeteries, VA Medical Centers and surrounding communities across the country.
The Memorial Day events and observances listed below will continue to be updated until May 22, 2026. We encourage visitors to verify the event details with the host organization linked.
Those unable to attend events in person may still honor a fallen service member by leaving a tribute on the Veterans Legacy Memorial site. There, you can view the stories, decorations and interment locations of over 10 million Veterans.
For information about VA burial and memorial benefits, volunteer opportunities or to submit a pre-need burial eligibility application, visit www.cem.va.gov or call toll-free at 1-800-827-1000.
While we will actively update this list leading up to Memorial Day weekend, event information does change. We encourage you to verify event details with the linked host organization or National Cemetery.
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Are you a Veteran but you're not sure where to start with the VA? Check out the VA Resource Navigator, a short, sweet combination of all the most valuable resources to get you started on your way to VA benefits and health care.
Download the Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors handbook online or pick up a printed copy at your local medical center, regional office or Vet Center for free.
The VA Podcast Network offers a diverse selection of top-quality podcasts made with a Veteran community in mind. Each podcast specializes on a different topic and covers gripping content that no Veteran should want to miss out on.
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