Los Angeles National Cemetery

This passed Saturday we were part of a scout event placing flags at the gravestones of soldiers. It was an amazing experience and a blessing to honor the men and women who've served our country. Pack/troop 130 will always show up when it comes to showing our respect to those who've fought and died for our country 🇺🇸

A tranquil and fitting place to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Many civil war veterans test here. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, a stroll through the cemetery offers refuge from the noise of the city. The rolling hills and green fields could convince a visitor that they have been transported far from L.A. I recommend exploring the area and search for medal of honor recipients. These heroes plot's have there citations n posted to read. There are few benches scattered throughout the cemetery. Restrooms are available. If walking is not possible, small roads make their way throughout the park.

extremely rude staff. i've never encountered such apathetic people hell bent on barring veterans from visiting, and honoring the fallen. HIGHLY DO NOT RECOMMEND

National cemetery with Veterans buried before 1900. The new columbarium is on VA grounds on the other side of the freeway.

Very clean and tidy cemetery and well cared for.

Very rude man at the front gate 12/26/22. Melissa chose to dishonor our dad and put him here. He WANTED to be buried at the Korean Memorial in Santa Nella. She stole it for her selfishness and control. Very rude uncaring man on the phone and in person. Sad.

Well kept national cemetery providing a dignified final place of rest for our country's heroes.

Make Victory Day a Paid Federal Holiday

Patricia Hernandez and Pablo were so kind and helpful. Had answers to all our questions and were very professional and sympathetic to our loss of our loved one.

I was here in December as a volunteer with Wreaths Across America. I'd signed up and attended by myself. I felt it was an exceptional opportunity, and something I'll probably do every year to come should my schedule allow. I did my best to trek out to the furthest away graves tucked all the way in the backs of rows where most volunteers weren't at, it was just my personal approach. If you're looking for a volunteer opportunity or plan corporate volunteer service in your community, I'd highly recommend looking into something here. I can't think of many opportunities that surpass the feeling of honoring someone's family member who served our country and ultimately gave their life for it. I volunteer in many different areas but these experiences always hit different.

I have been to this cemetery quite a few times. However, today was my first time at the chapel. Unfortunately I was attending for a dear Aunty of mine, who was a United States Army veteran. The staff of the VA Chapel was outstanding. Their professionalism and their compassion for the entire family was remarkable. They provided wonderful service and took care of all the details, and the family was so comforted in the way their loved one was being honored today. If you ever get the opportunity to check out the ground, I would highly recommend it. You can see what great care has gone into the grounds and providing a perpetualbeautiful space for our nations Veterans final resting place.

I come here a lot to perform military funereal honors. The people who run it are super friendly and always inviting to me i.e. into their offices.

As the traditional summer season draws to a close, my thoughts regarding my unfortunate experience five years ago at the Los Angeles National Cemetery for veterans, set upon my mind like a swarm of gnats. Half a decade has passed, but my thoughts remain as stirring and negative as they were at the beginning; no concern about family, no concern about the dignity of the veteran; just a sterile, utilitarian procedure. But to add insult to injury, I was given several paper pages of images, e.g. religious symbols, hearts, military symbols Etc., but the one my family and I chose was in keeping with the national symbol, the bald eagle which looked fine on paper, but in reality, looks like a bullet hole in the stone. As a matter of fact, I thought the "placard" would be metal, like copper, but, well pictures are worth a thousand words.

A very nice, peaceful place in the city, even though you hear some traffic noises from Wilshire Blvd and the 405, but not as bad - if you know what I mean. But national cemeteries are a great place to stroll around and pay tribute to America's true heroes. There was some construction going on in the old mausoleum part, but I was still able to go in while the men were working in there. There is also a "newer" mausoleum across the freeway, which involves crossing Sepulveda (it's recommend to drive there). Staff was very friendly and helpful. There are some notables and famous buried there, including Dean Martin's son, Charles Robinson (who played Mac on "Night Court") and Howard McNear (best known as "Floyd the Barber" on the Andy Griffith Show).

My mom and my dad was buried last Sept 21,2023 I was happy with all the help and assistance they gave us.

Love this place. Super peaceful. :) Well organized and the grass are well groomed.

My father was buried there on 12/27/2022. As I entered the front gate entrance a man was standing at the small booth in front. I stopped and rolled down my window to tell him we were arriving for my dads service and gave his name. The man replied, "oh". I said I thought we were to tell you as this is the information booth and you were standing there. His reply was, " yes I'm standing here". Rude! Once we were inside I see this man is the director of the service. Wow!!! This is my father being buried and this is how you treat the immediate family arriving?? Just rude and tacky. Taps and folding of the flag were beautiful by the army representatives. As we went to the burial site his burial spot was being prepared. We waited. Worker got a message on radio and my dads ashes were taken away. They returned 20 minutes later. I realize what happened but alarmed the people in charge allowed it. Sad. Beautiful place in a concrete jungle but cookie cutter care.

I've driving by Los Angeles Cemetery probably a million times, but today my friend wanted to pay respect to his uncle that was buried here. They keep the grounds neat and it's really a own secluded haven among LA's freeway and busy roads. A nice way to pay respect to all the heros that gave their lives for our freedom.

Unfortunately our soldier cannot get a proper good bye due to ridiculous rules. Flowers cannot be delivered to the services unless a family member is there. And in some cases no family arrives so flowers are taken back and the gravesites are left without flowers. They claim they will be stolen yet I doubt that highly.

If you've ever been to a National Cemetery and witnessed a military honors ceremony taking place and wondered about the individual being honored, like; were they active duty, a retired member, maybe a veteran that served a couple of years? Here are some pointers to help with what you might observe. Now, most of this is standard but things can vary based on situation, personnel available, and current policy. Because of limits on manpower resources, the number of honor guard members involved in a ceremony varies based on the deceased member's status. Full honors funerals are conducted for deceased active duty members and Medal of Honor recipients. Members of the Reserve and National Guard are also eligible if killed while on Active Duty status. You'll know the person was Active Duty because there will be a large honor guard presence. The detail will be made up of: An Officer in Charge/Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge - this person will be the one you see standing at the head of the casket and presenting the folded flag to the next of kin. A Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Firing Party - off in the distance, about 50 paces away, you should see a firing party with rifles and this individual standing to the side, giving the firing orders. A Color Team (sometimes called Color Guard) - this team will typically be made up of four members. These four will look like what you see marching in a parade or carrying the flag at an event (like at the Super Bowl). One will always be carrying the American Flag and then to his/her left (American/National Flag always is in a place of honor on the right) there will be a flag bearer for the representing Service, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines. To each side of the flag bearers will be a rifle guard. An interesting point of instruction for placement of this team is that they be in full view of the next of kin. A Pallbearer Team - This will be a team of six members and make up the primary focus of the ceremony. They will meet the hearse and carry the flag draped casket. After the 21-gun salute and Taps, they perform the flag folding ceremony and the triangle shaped flag with stars and blue showing is handed off to the Officer or NCO in charge with a very slow hand salute. The Firing party members - a seven team party that renders the 21 gun salute. The Bugler - off in the distance, usually 50 paces away, this individual will play Taps at the proper time. Sometimes if a bugler isn't available, the honor guard team will have a sound system play Taps. Standard honors funerals are conducted for Retired Members to include those receiving retired pay or members of the Reserves or National Guard who have 20 years or more satisfactory service for retirement. Typically 7 honor guard members are in place for retiree ceremonies. This smaller team will perform both the pallbearer and firing party duties. Taps will still be played but there is no Color Team. Veteran honors are rendered for former members (veterans) whose last service was honorable, and members of a reserve component not in a duty status. Typically 3 members perform this ceremony. There will be an Officer or NCO in charge and with another member, the two of them will fold the flag and the person in charge will present the folded flag to the next of kin. This turns out to be the most difficult of the ceremonies to perform because only two are folding the same size flag that was performed by six. The 3rd member is the bugler who plays Taps. Even though the number of personnel involved varies, no matter what the status of the deceased member was, they all receive the same level of honor, dignity, respect and gratitude for their faithful and honorable service to their country.

Such a sobering, somber sight...these white marble headstones lined up perfectly, row after row, aisle after aisle, acre after acre...thousands and thousands of them...small tablet reminders of the brevity of life. I'm taken to introspection here as I gaze at these symbols of life. For they are just that, a tiny monument to life, not death. Each one represents a spark of that spirit that they brought to the world where some shone brighter than others but all shone some. One day, we'll all be little more than this, a memory. Hopefully, we'll be remembered in good thoughts and with a smile for the spark that was you and I. Located right off Sepulvida Blvd, near Wilshire, this huge burial ground is open for all to witness in honored memorium the veterans who served our country as far back as the Civil War. It contains the remains of 14 Medal of Honor awardees, 100 Buffalo Soldiers and two canines, Old Bonus, an adopted pet of residents in the soldiers' home, and Blackout, a war dog wounded in the Pacific during World War II, buried with his handler.

I appreciate the signs which remind visitors of the sacredness of this space. As a national cemetery this cemetery is the final resting place to the selfless individuals who served this country and make the many liberties and freedoms possible. If you cannot grasp the depth of their sacrifice and conduct yourself accordingly please visit a park or the ocean. The grounds are impeccably maintained with two distinct sections; one area with erect marble headstones and a newer more recent developed area with modern flat headstones. The landscaping includes beautiful trees which provide a variation of scenery and serve as a symbolic attribute to life as to include the spectrum of life and death in one location. I felt humbled by looking at vast sea of marble headstones as the continue up the slight hill to the north end of the cemetery. It is somber however, I was able to take away a new founded appreciation for all of those who served.

Having grown up in Los Angeles, and not too far from this cemetery, I'm embarrassed I never made it here until this year. This past Memorial Day I decided I should actually do something associated with remembering our fallen soldiers rather than just use it as a Holiday. Visiting this cemetery helps put the loss of life in perspective. When you see row after row of gravestones it reminds you that there are real people being lost, families and friends being affected, and consequences to war. The cemetery is located in a beautiful setting with rolling hills among Oak trees. It well honors our lost soldiers and should be a visiting place for all Angelenos.

85,000 + flags were planted by the Boy Scouts in front of each grave for Memorial Day today, and they were shining and flapping smartly in the breeze, saluting the departed. (see pix) Established in 1889, it holds the remains of soldiers from the Civil War through the Vietnam War, on over 116 acres. It is the largest veteran's cemetery outside Arlington and I visited it today for the first time. While most of the graves are of veterans who died long after any conflict, it still brings a lump to the throat, to imagine what they went through. "War is hell", there is nothing noble about it. Some graves also hold a wife in the earthly embrace, war and life over, separated no longer. "All gave some and some gave all" Thank you and Restare in Pacem Eternis.

sacred |sākrid| adjective regarded with great respect and reverence by a particular religion, group, or individual Yes, this place, the Los Angeles National Cemetery - Department of Veteran' s Administration (VA) IS sacred as well as a place of peace and beauty, meticulously maintained, rich in history for anyone to learn about those who defended our country, our freedom and much more. "Established in 1889. The Los Angeles National Cemetery, located across from what is now the VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System, has grown to more than 114 acres since its late 19th century origins. The first interment dates to a few days prior to the May 22, 1889 dedication of the cemetery. In 1973, the cemetery was transferred from the then-Veterans Administration Medical Center to what was then the National Cemetery System." https://www.yelp.com/biz/los-angeles-national-cemetery-dept-of-va-los-angeles My husband, a veteran visits each Memorial Day and Veteran's Day not to participate in the public ceremonies or tributes but to lay flowers in respect. Veteran's Day 2017 I accompanied him. His rule is to drive or walk the road that circles the grounds until he's drawn to a particular space in the park, usually remote, a grave(s) where perhaps no one still remembers or is alive to, to pause, to honor the soldier who rests there. I wanted to stay a bit longer, walk a bit more, soak in the tranquil grounds but hubby needed to leave. An older soldier volunteering for this day's commemoration directed us to the Veteran Avenue exit (only open for special events). With a salute then a smile, he thanked us as profusely for visiting, as we thanked him for his service then, now.

I've passed this place soooo many times because I was not sure how to go see my dead grandfather for the first time, but I had my family with me and visited my grandfather for the first time. He had passed when my father was a young boy so I never had the pleasure of meeting him. The grounds here are so well kept and very uniform, there is a huge spider issue for you that suffer from arachnophobia, but other than that it was an amazing experience and a simple system to find the burial plot with the facility website.

Mathew the security guy is rude! I walked in 10 min before closing the gates. He let me walk all the way to the bathrooms to find that they were locked. I asked him if he knew and he said yes. He could have just told me instead of ignoring my request to use the bathroom because he wanted to close early. Inconsiderate, grumpy, old man.

My father was a marine and he was buried at this cemetery. Mary the cemetery coordinator was very nice. The cemetery was beautiful. The ceremony was done very well. My family members thought everything went very well. All head stones was visible. Not like rose hills they let the grass cover the head stones. I am glad this is my fathers final resting place.

This is the cemetery my grandfather is buried at and I love visiting him everytime. According to a fellow friend of mine, they have days where they go and decorate the cemeteries for those veterans and loved ones. I need to figure out the program but it's bring me great peace to my heart that this cemetery allows that. Not a lot of cemeteries allow certain things to be done. I'm very grateful for the business that was done for my late grandfather Moices G Orijel.

I was visiting family at the VA facility and took a break to see a little of the area and walk some. This Cemetery is very impressive and well worth the visit. It is very moving to know that each marker represents a deceased service member and in many cases the spouse is also interred in the same grave. This is a good place for a break from the crowd and traffic that surrounds it.

A wake up call for sure. Very moving service on Memorial Day. I would say atleast 2000 people attended. We owe our freedom to these people. These are the real hero's!

This Hallowed ground is a very peaceful place in the middle of the most loud and crazy city, Los Angeles. Looking at the rows and rows of white gravestones always brings a few tears to my eyes for the loss of so many, honorable as their deaths were. The dead of many Wars are here and have a very beautiful place to rest.

Very impressed with this cemetery. It's a great place to pay respect to those who fought for this nation. Unfortunately we don't have as many of these cemeteries on the west coast, but I'm glad we at least have this in LA. I came here for a visit and to pay respect right before they were going to close. Just examining each marker and plaque makes anyone realize how diverse America is and how we're somehow united. There's a small memorial building with plaques on the walls--inside and out. Most plaques had symbols to represent the veteran's religious preference. I saw, Protestants, Catholics, orthodox, Buddhists, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Scientolgists, Sikhs, everyone including non-believers. Not to mention, quite a few names of Japanese Americans. Pretty interesting. The cemetery is well maintained, the grass is watered and mowed, and most of the markers are eligible.

While looking for info for cemetery records I found this Yelp page. I enjoy researching my genealogy. If you're looking for lists of burials, I found the entire list for this cemetery and all of the cemeteries I was researching here: http://interment.net/data/us/ca/losangeles/lanat/index.htm

My son asked, "Why is the flag place closed?" I told him, "Because it's a holiday." Only entrance off of Sepulveda with no sidewalk or other safe pedestrian walkway. Does not really embrace the community.

I visited here in October 2013. The grass was badly in need of mowing, it was growing over the flat headstones to the point of making them hard to see. The row markers painted on the curbs were faded, many were totally gone - worn off. The parking lot was crumbling. I have photos of all this neglect. Luckily in the section I was visiting the row marker paint was still slightly visible, but others in the same area were totally gone. The grass was higher than my ankles all over the cemetery. There were tire tracks on the grass showing that people are not driving on the street. Judging by my visit, the place was poorly maintained. I have photos. Easy access off the 405 freeway, exit at Wilshire Blvd west bound. Turn right onto Sepulveda Blvd heading north-ish then first right into the cemetery. In their reply to this posting, the cemetery blamed the recent federal government shutdown for the faded paint row markers, but paint doesn't fade that fast, this sign of neglect had been going on for months. Blaming it on the government shutdown is funny and pathetic. Same with the pavement.

It is shameful that citizens are unable to visit or access this national cemetery on foot or by bicycle. I have twice tried and failed to visit while staying in the Los Angeles area due to this lack of access.

Gardens of Stone . . . every American should make a pilgrimage to one of these hallowed places. Gettysburg moved me the most. My mother's father is buried at the American Cemetery, in the Philippines, KIA US Army Infantryman, 103rd Inf. Regt., 43rd ID, March 14, 1945-One of McArthur's men liberating the Philippines. The man in his fighting hole, in the strongpoint of their company's defensive perimeter received the Distinguished Service Cross (one step below the Medal of Honor), posthumously. Both men died repelling a dawn banzai attack on their position armed only with BARS and grenades. They saved their company's position, by gallantly giving their lives for for their buddies and their country. Grandpa John V. Gallardo, and Earl O. Brake of Alabama. A Naturalized US Citizen, a Mexican immigrant from California, and an Good Ole White Southern Boy from Alabama. Only "Americans" when the time came to make the ultimate sacrifice . . . Patriots forever in the hearts of their countrymen! John V. Gallardo ID: 39588688 Entered the Service From: California Rank: Private Service: U.S. Army, 103rd Infantry Regiment, 43rd Infantry Division Died: Wednesday, March 14, 1945 Buried at: Manila American Cemetery Location: Fort Bonifacio, Manila, Philippines Plot: A Row: 10 Grave: 64 Awards: Purple Heart Posthumously and Earl O. Brake-Distinguished Service Cross http://projects.militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=6498 and http://www.alabamaveterans.org/#!about1/c21np

Beautiful place. Always clean and with lots of hard working staff. My bother is buried here and I have never had a bad experience with anything. They let me stay even a few minutes after close. The grass can be sometimes in need of a mowing, but this only happens because either veterans or memorial day is coming and they are waiting for the big day. All in all, love coming here.

My Visit to The Los Angeles National Cemetery in West Los Angeles. (for Military Veterans only) I had an extra three hours in West Los Angeles so I dropped in and paid a visit to my fellow Departed Veterans. The Cemetery Starts at the top of a gentil hill with Indian war Veterans then moves down the hill with Civil War, World War One, World War Two. Korean War, Vietnam War and finally the Gulf War and of course everything in between these Wars. The Cemetery is 100% Full. Over 80 Thousand Vets. It is Stunning to Visit there. Every Head Stone is neatly trimmed and not one dead spot in the grass anywhere. The Numerous ancient trees were all perfectly trimmed. It is the most peaceful place I have ever been too. I visited Wyatt Earp's Dad`s Grave, There are two Hero Dogs buried with their handlers. Blackout and Bonus. I visited them (I`m a Dog Lover). Then I drove down right next to Wilshire Blvd. There were Gulf War Veterans there. Many Wives were buried with their Husbands. I moved back to The Viet Nam Section. Thousands of Graves of Veterans born around 1942 to 1958. I went in the service at 17 years old in 1962 and my dad a World War two veteran had the recruiter sign me up for construction engineers and I went to Germany. My Cousin Died of his wounds from the Battle of Iwo Jima, My younger Brother in his Honor when drafted went into The Marines and was in heavy combat in Viet Nam. He is 70 years old now and suffers from PTSD and has a Purple Heart from Shrapnel to his head. My youngest son Wyatt is serving in the US Navy. In just a few years he has been in combat in the seas of the Middle East and is now returning from a tour in Japan and He Loves it! I must admit it's an Honor to serve the Greatest Country on Earth and all of Earth's History and it continues to be that way right to this day!

Los Angeles National Cemetery provides a sombering reality of those that sacrificed all as well as those who served. The grounds are beautifully kept and provide a peaceful last point to rest for our men and women in the military. Memorial Day they host a beautiful ceremony. Please remeber this Memorial Day...so they are not forgotton. Proud mom of Spc Daniel Cagle, KIA 23 MA 2007 (interned there)