Monday, May 25, 2026

Supervisor Barger Honors Fallen Servicemembers in Memorial Day Statement

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents Pasadena and Altadena on the Board of Supervisors, issued a statement Monday honoring military servicemembers who died in defense of the country.

“On Memorial Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” Barger said. “Answering the call to defend our country is among the noblest acts of selflessness and courage a person can make.”

Barger, a member of the five-member Board of Supervisors since 2016, represents the Fifth Supervisorial District, the county’s largest, spanning approximately 2,785 square miles and including Pasadena, Altadena, and dozens of other communities across the San Gabriel, Antelope, Santa Clarita, and San Fernando Valleys.

“Freedom is not free,” Barger said. “It comes at a deep cost, carried by those who willingly put themselves in harm’s way to protect the freedoms we too often take for granted. Today, we remember and give thanks to our fallen heroes.”

The statement also extended recognition to Gold Star families and other military families.

“My deepest gratitude also extends to the military families who carry their loved ones’ legacy forward, with strength,” Barger said. “Their sacrifice endures, and so does our obligation to honor it.”

Barger’s statement came two days after she hosted her 28th Annual Tribute to Veterans and Military Families, a free community event held Saturday at Arcadia County Park. This year’s event carried the theme “We the People” in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding. U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu and Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna were among the dignitaries listed as participants.

The statement also coincided with the City of Pasadena’s Memorial Day Remembrance, held Monday at Memorial Park on East Holly Street. That ceremony, organized by the city and the Pasadena Veterans Day Committee, was scheduled to recognize by name the 320 Pasadena community members who died in service during World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the War on Terror. The program was to include a Missing Man Formation flyover by the Condor Squadron and a 21-gun salute by the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment.

Barger has been an advocate for veterans’ services throughout her county career, according to her official biography. She is married to a retired Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy.