FLAGS, FLYOVERS AND PATRIOTISM; ORGANIZATIONS PLANNING DAY OF OBSERVANCE FOR U.S. WAR DEAD.

Byline: Mary Schubert Daily News Staff Writer

Vintage aircraft, patriotic songs and the decoration of graves with flags and wreaths will be part of the Memorial Day observances scheduled for Monday at Eternal Valley cemetery.

The featured speaker at the 11 a.m. ceremony will be U.S. Air Force Col. James Boyle, commander of the 95th Logistics Group at Edwards Air Force Base. The Condor Squadron, a group of airplane buffs based at Van Nuys Airport, will fly eight to 10 AT-6 Texans - used as trainers in World War II - over Eternal Valley Memorial Park.

The nation's war dead, from every military campaign involving U.S. troops, will be remembered with speeches, prayers and symbolism during the solemn holiday that is the unofficial beginning of the summer season.

The Santa Clarita Valley Concert Band, led by conductor Tim Durand, will play the national anthem, ``America the Beautiful,'' a musical salute to the five branches of the armed forces, and ``God Bless the USA'' during the ceremony.

Eagle Scouts from Troop 496 will present wreaths in memory of deceased soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and Brownies from several local troops will place American flags on graves throughout the cemetery.

The Air Force Junior ROTC from Valencia High School will present the American flag, while members of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 355, will carry in the flags of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard.

Also expected to attend the Memorial Day ceremony are members of local chapters of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Moose, Lions and Optimists.

Eternal Valley will be one of several destinations for the Condor Squadron, whose Memorial Day itinerary also includes V-formation flyovers of parades in Canoga Park and La Canada Flintridge, plus ceremonies at Pierce Brothers Valhalla Memorial Park in Burbank, Olive Park in Burbank, and Valley Oaks Memorial Park in Westlake Village, said Condor pilot Richard Sykes.

Sykes said all the Memorial Day flyovers will take place between 11 a.m. and noon - and all the flights hinge on clear weather.

Condor Squadron pilots also make the air show circuit, flying their single-engine AT-6 airplanes in mock duels, playing the roles of German Luftwaffe and U.S. Army Air Corps alike.

During World War II, the AT-6 Texans - built by North American - were used to train fighter pilots. The Condor Squadron was formed 35 years ago as an aviation outlet and camaraderie builder for former flyboys. The squadron also helps out with search and rescue missions to locate downed aircraft.

Eternal Valley Memorial Park is at 23287 N. Sierra Highway. For information on the observances, call [phone].

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2 Photos

Photo: (1--color) Stacy Schafhausen, left, and Jessica Greengard of Brownie Troop 292 in Newhall set up flags.

(2--color) Erik Richardson, 8, of Saugus Pack 575 puts a flag on a grave.

John Lazar/Special to the Daily News