Community Events
District Community Events
Each year the District hosts several community events that are held on the cemetery grounds. Coordination of these events is handled by District or Cemetery staff members. If you are interested in participating in any of these events or want additional information, please contact Mary Funk, District Secretary at (949) 951-9102, extension 110. Upcoming events are listed below and will also be posted on the Events section of the District web page.
NOVEMBER
Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) - Saturday, November 2, 2019
ANAHEIM CEMETERY: In honor of Day of the Dead, Anaheim Cemetery will be hosting a special event from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Our 4th annual Dia de los Muertos program will feature the music of Mariachi Tierra Mia and Ballet Folklorico Donaji - a youth dance troupe with performers ages 4 to 21 who will entertain guests with a variety of traditional dances. While supplies last, visitors will enjoy free light refreshments including Pan de Muertos prepared by a local Anaheim Mexican bakery and free small marigold bouquets. Children will enjoy the free crafts table. We also encourage families to build ofrendas on the gravesites of their loved ones. All three District cemeteries extend our flower schedule so that items may be placed on gravesites for an extended period before and after Dia de los Muertos.
SANTA ANA CEMETERY: For the first time, the District will co-host a day time Dia de los Muertos Celebration at Santa Ana Cemetery on November 2nd from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A representative from Supervisor Do's office will provide a welcome address followed by a blessing by Pastor Ruben Esponda of United Methodist Church of Santa Ana. There will be musical performances by the students of Santa Ana High School and Godinez Mariachi. At noon, Grandeza Mexicana will perform a death waltz. While supplies last the District will provide free small marigold bouquets for gravesite decoration and refreshments including Pan de Muertos provided by a local bakery. Children will enjoy free face painting and an assortment of fun Dia de los Muertos crafts.
Veterans Day Observance - Monday, November 11, 2019
El Toro Memorial Park will be hosting its 31st Annual Veterans Day Observance at 11:00 a.m. The event will feature keynote speaker, Dr. Linda Fontanilla who is the Vice President for Student Services at Irvine Valley College. Dr. Fontanilla served in the United States Air Force under the 1901st Communication Squadron at Travis Air Force Base as an Air Traffic Controller. The program will also feature a combined color guard, wreath presentations by officials from surrounding cities, an Honor Guard Firing Salute provided by VFW Edward J. Kearns Post 6024, and special music. To view our event flyer, please click on the link below.
PDF link to El Toro Memorial Park - 2019 Veterans Day Observance information
DECEMBER
Angel Of Hope Candlelight Vigil - Friday, December 6, 2019
Located at El Toro Memorial Park, the Angel of Hope monument is a place for grieving parents to gather who have lost a child of any age, for any reason. Every December 6th, families gather at 7:00 pm for a candlelight vigil. The program features special guest speakers, poetic readings, and special music. Perhaps the most anticipated moment of the program comes when families are invited to speak their child's name and place white flowers at the base of the Angel of Hope Statue. Candles are provided for the adults and it is recommended that you bring a flashlight and a lawn chair. For more information, contact Lisa Popper at (714) 658-0797. To view last year's flyer, please click on the link below:
PDF link to El Toro Memorial Park - Angel of Hope Candlelight Vigil information
Wreaths Across America - Saturday, December 14, 2019. (Date Tentative)
Thanks to American Heritage Girls Troop 356, El Toro Memorial Park is now included in the annual efforts of the nonprofit group, Wreaths Across America. to place beautiful, fresh holiday wreaths on the graves on U.S. Veterans across the nation. On Saturday morning, December 14th at 9 am the Troop will gather at the flag pole for a brief ceremony where wreaths are presented in honor of each branch of the armed servcies. The ceremony is conducted and organized entirely by girls in the Troop. After the ceremony, volunteers place wreaths on the military gravestones in the park. At each gravestone where a wreath is placed, the volunteer speaks that veteran's name, thanks him or her for their service, and may even say a prayer for the veteran's family. Last year the troop placed approximately 300 wreaths and are hoping to do even more this year. For more information on how to sponsor wreaths please call El Toro Memorial Park at (949) 951-8244.
MAY
Memorial Day Observances - Monday, May 25, 2020
Every Memorial Day each District cemetery holds a Memorial Day program. The program at Santa Ana Cemetery begins at 10:00 am. The programs at El Toro Memorial Park and Anaheim Cemetery both begin at 11:00 am. The events are free and the public is encouraged to attend. Events will take place rain or shine. As these events draw closer, please click on the links below for specific information on each Cemetery's program.
Anaheim Cemetery
El Toro Memorial Park
Santa Ana Cemetery
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