Multiple Memorial Day celebrations took place on the Island Monday, May 30.

The Vietnam Veterans Chapter 400, American Legion Posts 9 and 647, as well as Elks Lodge 1015 hosted the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park at the intersection of Doolittle and Island drives. KTVU’s Sal Castenada took on his usual role of Master of Ceremony. Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft and Capt. Jackie Leverich, Commanding Officer of the United States Coast Guard Base, spoke at the event.

More than 300 people attended the event including councilmembers Tony Daysog and Trish Herrera Spencer, California Attorney General Rob Bonta and his wife, California Assemblymember Mia Bonta.

Alameda Fire Department (AFD) personnel also had a strong presence at the event. AFD Chief Nick Luby along with Engine and Medic 4, Truck 1, and Battalion 1 attended the ceremony.

The USS Hornet Museum also held a Memorial Day celebration. At their ceremony organizers did a wreath toss into the bay.

Also, original USS Hornet crewmember, Gene Millen, spoke to the crowd via Zoom about his experiences in World War II.

Lastly, authors of the new book, The Silver Waterfall: How American Won the War in the Pacific at Midway, Brendan Simms and Steven McGregor conducted a Q&A from attendees.