Memorial Day Weekend 2023: Remembrances In Lake Elsinore, Nearby

SOUTHWEST RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Memorial Day 2023 is part of a nearly 160-year tradition that pays tribute to military personnel who lost their lives in service to the country.

Every year, a national moment of remembrance is held at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day. No matter where they are or what they’re doing, Americans are asked to pause for one minute in silence to remember military personnel who have given their lives in service to their country. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the midday time was chosen because it’s when many Americans will be enjoying their freedoms on a national holiday.

Below is a list of the largest Memorial Day 2023 events occurring in Southwest Riverside County. Additionally, check with local cemeteries and churches as many host special Memorial Day services.

LAKE ELSINORE

Monday's "West Coast Thunder Memorial Day Motorcycle Ride Concert" begins in Riverside, travels past the Riverside National Cemetery and ends at the Lake Elsinore Diamond Stadium.

Participants will meet between 6-9 a.m. for registration and breakfast at Riverside Harley-Davidson, 7688 Indiana Avenue. Riders will line up on Indiana Avenue and depart at 9:11 a.m.

After riding by Riverside National Cemetery, participants will head to the Lake Elsinore Diamond Stadium at 500 Diamond Drive for the "West Coast Thunder Car Show" and Memorial Day concert featuring headliner DSB ("The world's greatest Journey tribute band") and Michael Austin.

For more information, visit www.westcoastthunder.com. For registration information, visit www.westcoastthunder.com/register. For car show information, visit www.westcoastthunder.com/carshow.

MENIFEE

The city of Menifee will commemorate Memorial Day with a Remembrance Ceremony and 5K race.

The Remembrance Ceremony takes place at 10 a.m. Monday at Central Park, 30268 Civic Plaza Drive.

The free event will include special presentations, guest speakers, a remembrance message and wreath-laying. Attendees will be given flowers to place around the memorial wreath to honor their loved ones.

Prior to the ceremony, the city will host a Memorial Day 5K race with all proceeds to benefit VFW Post 1956. The 5K, which is sanctioned by Finished Results, will begin at 7 a.m. at Central Park and will loop around the Paloma Wash Trail.

An awards ceremony will begin at 7:45 a.m. for all race divisions, including the Masters Division (35+), Veterans, First Responders, Police, and overall (age groups).

Race registration is available at www.cityofmenifee.us/MemorialDay5K.

MURRIETA

The city of Murrieta is hosting its Memorial Day Observance Ceremony at 8 a.m. Monday at the Murrieta Veterans Memorial at Town Square Park. The event honors the fallen.

TEMECULA

In commemoration of Memorial Day 2023, Temecula’s Community Services Department is hosting a patriotic-themed concert, "A Tribute To Heroes: Memorial Day Observance," performed by the Temecula Valley Symphony.

The free family-friendly event takes place at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Temecula Civic Center, 41000 Main Street.

Under the musical direction of Maestro John Mario, this annual military and patriotic-themed concert will include musical works by John Williams and John Phillip Sousa. Other featured selections on the program include Aaron Copland’s "Hoe Down," and Samuel Barber’s "Adagio for Strings."

The Temecula Valley Symphony is a 60-member community orchestra that has become a regional organization attracting professional and volunteer musicians throughout Southern California.

“Temecula’s Tribute To Heroes Concert honors all our fallen heroes as well as former and current service members," Temecula Mayor Zak Schwank said in a released statement. "Join us as we thank and pay respect to all military branches and the brave service people who have made personal sacrifices that continue to protect our collective freedom. This free, family-friendly event is one that is very special, and we are looking forward to seeing you here.”

Concert attendees are advised to bring lawn chairs and blankets.

WILDOMAR

Wildomar Cemetery will host its annual Memorial Day "Remember and Honor" event at 10 a.m. Monday. The ceremony is traditionally very well attended. The cemetery is located at 21400 Palomar Street.