Memorial Day was always a special day for longtime Simi Valley resident Paul Molé, and he would always remind his children about the day's importance.

"Our kids would want to do other things today like go to the beach, but he said no; today's an important day and we honor war veterans," said Paul's wife, Roseann Molé. She said her husband would spend Memorial Day playing taps on his trumpet for various ceremonies, something he did regularly at military events and funerals throughout the year.

Paul Molé, a Vietnam War veteran who owned the popular Simi Valley restaurant Paul's Italian Villa for 40 years, died in April, but his family decided this year to continue his tradition of honoring veterans on Memorial Day.

About 15 members of the Molé family attended a Memorial Day luncheon held Monday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Simi Valley. Several hundred guests were there to honor veterans and attend a tribute for Paul Molé, who died at 60 of cancer.

It was one of several events held throughout Ventura County on Monday to remember U.S. military men and women who lost their lives.

Simi Valley resident Jennifer Ruiz, along with her children, 5-month-old Bella Barbey and 4-year-old Reanna Barbey, came to the Latter-day Saints church event with 12 of her family members to honor her uncle Peter Ruiz, a Marine who served in Vietnam and who was also at the event.

The family was there to also honor their late grandfather Robert Ruiz, who served in World War II.

"He was an amazing grandfather. It's important to honor his service today as well as others who couldn't be here with us today," said Jennifer Ruiz.

Bill Schaver, 89, who has lived in Simi Valley for more than 40 years and served in World War II, said six brothers in his family served in the military.

"Three of my brothers didn't come home. It makes it nice when people recognize the sacrifice of those in the military," Schaver said.

At Monday's event, Simi Valley Mayor Paul Miller presented Roseann Molé with a proclamation declaring May 26 as Paul Molé Remembrance Day for his contributions, which included founding the Ventura County Chapter of the Marine Corps League.

In addition, The Paul Molé Late Night Big Band paid tribute to the group's founding member, while Christopher Busco, a 10-year old trumpet student of Paul Molé, played a tribute on piano for his teacher.

"I'm overwhelmed today. This remembrance of my husband as well as others who served in the military is beautiful," said Roseann Molé.

Other Memorial Day events in the community included services at Poindexter Park in Moorpark and at the Simi Valley Public Cemetery.

In Westlake Village, much of the day's event honoring veterans had to do with military flight.

First, a large C-17 military transport aircraft flew overhead. Then a squadron of Condor planes soared by. Later in the service, as Marines fired a 21-gun salute, white doves were released into the air over Pierce Bros. Valley Oaks Memorial Park.

The Simi Valley High School band played several songs, and the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir and Valleyaires vocal group sang some patriotic songs throughout the service.

Giving the address was Dr. Herbert Percival, an orthopedic surgeon from Camarillo who was given the Purple Heart for his service as an Army surgeon in the current Iraq war.

"Today we sing their praises as generations of us have before," Percival said of those who served the country.

The hundreds of people at the Westlake Village service came from all over the area, including Jim and Sandy Dieter of North Hills.

"I enjoy the crowd, the music, remembering the men and women who were willing to risk their lives, and many of them gave their lives, for our country," said Jim Dieter.