Boy Scout Offers A Special Memorial Day Gift
Ethan Mendoza, pictured during a 2013 trip to Pearl Harbor, has always been drawn to the tragedy and sacrifice of Dec. 7, 1941. Later in 2017, Boy Scout Mendoza sought to dedicate a more prominent gift to the memory of fallen heroes of Pearl Harbor as part of his required Eagle Scout project. Mendoza is pictured with the dedicated anchor in the main photo.
PHOTOS APPEAR COURTESY CRIS MENDOZA
Anchors Aweigh: Bladensburg Teen Dedicates Pearl Harbor Memorial on Memorial Day
County Has Several Memorial Day Events Set For May 26
Compiled By Raoul Dennis
In the heart of Bladensburg Memorial Park, where monuments stand as testaments to valor and sacrifice, a new tribute is set to anchor itself in history. On Memorial Day, May 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., 17-year-old Eagle Scout candidate Ethan Mendoza will unveil a newly constructed memorial honoring the lives lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
A Scout's Salute to History
Ethan's Eagle Scout project transcends the typical community service endeavor. With a deep reverence for history and a commitment to civic duty, he orchestrated the planning, fundraising, and construction of a memorial centered around a U.S. Navy anchor. This symbol of steadfastness now resides at 4500 Annapolis Road in Bladensburg, MD, within a park renowned for its WWI Peace Cross and other memorials commemorating Vietnam, Korea, WWII, and 9/11.
“I wanted to build something lasting, something that would make people stop and remember,” Ethan shared. His initiative ensures that the 2,403 Americans who perished on December 7, 1941—a day President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared “a date which will live in infamy”—are honored and remembered.
Memorial Day Events Across Prince George’s County
Ethan’s dedication is one of several events in Prince George’s County commemorating Memorial Day:
Bowie’s Memorial Day Parade: Taking place on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., this parade features marching bands, performing groups, floats, and local organizations. The procession starts at the Belair Annex on Belair Drive and concludes at the corner of Sussex Lane and Stonybrook Drive. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or sit along the curb to enjoy the festivities.
College Park’s Annual Memorial Day Observance: On Monday, May 26, 2025, residents can participate in a solemn ceremony honoring fallen service members. The event includes speeches, wreath-laying, and moments of silence. Details can be found on the City of College Park's official website.
Riversdale House Museum Free Tours: On Sunday, May 25, 2025, the Riversdale House Museum offers free tours interpreting the history of those who lived and worked at the former plantation from its construction in 1801 through Emancipation in 1864. Tours are scheduled from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Opening of Outdoor Pools and Splash Parks: The Department of Parks and Recreation will officially open its seven outdoor aquatic facilities for the 2025 summer season on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. These facilities will operate on a weekend schedule through June 19, providing residents with opportunities for recreation and relaxation.
A Day of Reflection and Community
Memorial Day in Prince George’s County offers a blend of solemn remembrance and community engagement. Whether attending Ethan Mendoza’s anchor dedication, participating in local parades, exploring historical sites, or enjoying recreational facilities, residents have numerous ways to honor those who have served and sacrificed.
As Ethan’s anchor finds its place among the park's monuments, it serves as a poignant reminder of the past and a beacon for future generations to remember and reflect. This Memorial Day, let us anchor our thoughts in gratitude and ensure that the legacy of our heroes continues to inspire.
For more information on Memorial Day events and activities in Prince George’s County, please visit the official county website or contact local event organizers.
