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Rancho Palos Verdes’ Memorial celebration is turning out to be more controversial than the city might have expected.
The Palos Verdes Peninsula News posted an article last week revealing the city's plan to release 1,500 balloons in the air at Green Hills Memorial Park on Monday in commemoration of the fallen soldiers. 250 yellow balloons will symbolize the returned soldiers and 250 black balloons will represent the America POW’s and MIA’s. The ceremony will also include the release of 100 doves and aerial fly-over of F16 fighters. The article claims that more than 5,000 people are expected to participate.
The ceremony has gained publicity but not solely because of its size or prominence but rather because of the environmental concern of having 1,500 balloon fly through the air and potentially land in the oceans.
Concerned citizens have asked environment non-profits to get involved and voice their reservations to Green Hill Memorial Park staff. The worry is that the balloons will eventually end up in the oceans where marine animals eat them and eventually die from choking or starvation.
Green Hills Memorial Park staff was unable to be reached for a response comment.