PSWMA LA : National Parents’ Day Celebration Brings Families and Community Together in Monterey Park
The greatest impact of the National Parents’ Day Celebration in Monterey Park was the meaningful presence it established for the Peace Starts With Me Alliance in the city. As the first National Parents’ Day celebration hosted in Monterey Park, the event provided a wonderful opportunity to serve local families while promoting a culture of love, gratitude, and respect between children and parents. It also introduced the vision of strengthening families as the foundation for building peaceful communities.
In preparation for the celebration, two educational programs were offered to help parents better understand how to protect and guide their children in the digital age. To reach families throughout the community, volunteers distributed more than 2,000 flyers, going door to door and placing materials at local libraries. The team also reached out directly to the police department, school district, community organizations, and local businesses. These efforts not only helped promote the event but also opened the door to many new relationships throughout the city.
The community response was especially encouraging. Two Monterey Park City Council members attended the celebration and brought their family members with them. The City Clerk and other city staff members also joined the program. Along with selected parents and their families, they remained until the conclusion of the event, demonstrating their genuine support for honoring parents and strengthening families.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the celebration was seeing the various Peace Starts With Me Alliance organizations work together. Each organization hosted a booth where participants could learn about its mission while taking part in a fun parent-child activity. With nine booths in total, the venue was filled with families moving from one activity to another, creating a welcoming, joyful atmosphere and providing opportunities for parents and children to spend quality time together.
The main program also included meaningful recognition from city leaders. Councilmember Elizabeth Yang expressed her hope that National Parents’ Day would become an annual tradition in Monterey Park. Councilmember Jose Sanchez presented the City’s National Parents’ Day Awards, while Peace Starts With Me Alliance Los Angeles presented bouquets and commemorative plaques to selected parents in recognition of their dedication to their families and the wider community.
The celebration reached its most touching moment near the end of the program. MC Pastor Joshua Holmes invited all the children to come to the stage, where each received a carnation. The children then returned to their parents and presented the flowers as an expression of their love and appreciation. Simple yet deeply moving, the moment beautifully captured the heart of National Parents’ Day: giving children an opportunity to recognize the love and sacrifices of their parents.
Even after the formal program concluded, many families remained to enjoy the activity booths and participate in the raffle. Generous business partners donated prizes, including Dodgers tickets and San Diego Zoo tickets, adding to the excitement and enjoyment of the afternoon.
The Monterey Park National Parents’ Day Celebration was more than a one-day event. It was an opportunity to build relationships, serve families, connect with city leaders, and bring diverse organizations together around a shared commitment to strong families and peaceful communities. The Alliance is deeply grateful to everyone who participated, volunteered, partnered, and supported the celebration. The relationships established through this event have laid a strong foundation for continued collaboration and future service in Monterey Park.
