What:
LAPD's Armed Forces Family Appreciation Day Picnic

When:
May 31, 2003, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Where:
Elysian Park Police Academy, 1880 North Academy Road, Los Angeles

Who:
Los Angeles Mayor Jim Hahn, Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) in conjunction with The Walt Disney Company, Occidental Petroleum and Department employee support organizations are co-sponsoring a LAPD Armed Forces Family Appreciation Day Picnic. A goal of this Department event is to show appreciation to the over 130 LAPD sworn and civilian members currently or having recently served on active duty in the U.S. military. Many LAPD Officers, now veterans of the war, will be in attendance including Police Officer Ryan White who was injured in combat. Another goal of this family oriented picnic is to show support and pay tribute to the families of those currently on active military duty.

At noon, Chief Bratton will pay tribute to all the LAPD military reservists and the family of Marine Corporal Jorge Gonzalez. Corporal Gonzalez paid the ultimate sacrifice with his life while serving in the "Operation Iraqi Freedom War." Corporal Jorge Gonzalez, although not an LAPD officer, had a life long dream to become one.

Activities include bounce houses, games for all ages, a climbing rock wall, radio personalities, giveaways, music and much more.

This media advisory was prepared by Sergeant John Pasquariello, Officer-in-Charge, Media relations Section, 213-485-3586.