On every 23 August, 1210 hours, the Valentino Community comes together as one, in order to pay their solemn respects, in tribute to a great silent film actor, who still garners admirers and attention, in the 21st Century.
This year’s tribute program, was even more impressive than in years past. From the audio and visual tributes to the speakers, music selections, singing, to most of all a memorable salute to our beloved Donna Hill, everything was done reverently and beautifully.
There was something poignant about knowing how much of a compassionate person Donna Hill was. While I did not personally know her. Everyone within the Valentino community, felt as though she was a friend, someone they could go to for questions about Valentino. Her legacy will be remembered for years to come.
The music selection and the vocal talent of Ms. Katy Jane Harvey was once again, superb. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to my favourite “Ave Maria”.🎶🎤🎧🎼
It’s always sad when the Memorial Service ends🥲. But next year, I will be there physically to embrace the memories and see familiar faces once again.
One more thing, a big thank😇you to Tracy Terhune and Zachary Jaydon.✌️
Next month, marks the saddest event on the Valentino Calendar, anniversary of the death of Silent Film Actor Rudolph Valentino. This annual event is held on 23 August 1210 p.m. Hollywood Forever Cemetery, LA, CA. This year author Tom Slater is speaking on his brand-new June Mathis book. At the conclusion of the memorial, he will hold a book signing. Rachel Skytt from the Los Angeles Breakfast Club will speak. The Breakfast Club was founded in 1925 and this marks their 100th anniversary. Rudy was a member, and when he died the Breakfast Club held one of the very first memorial services for Rudy, held just four days after his passing. Also, the 100th anniversary of the Valentino film “The Eagle” and a special remembrance of everyone’s beloved author Donna Hill. If you cannot make it the event will be broadcast live on Facebook Group “We Never Forget”. Also, I would love to hear from you – How will you spend 23 August?
When I first started this blog, I have always wanted to attend an Annual Memorial Service for Rudolph Valentino, Hollywood Forever Cemetery. For me, I personally felt it important to read about the historical significance of this special event before attending and there were two must reads for me “Valentino the Unforgotten” by Roger Peterson and “Valentino Forever: The History of the Valentino Memorial Services” by Tracy Terhune. I strongly recommend reading both books they were wonderfully informative.
The year was 2014, and I was finally going to make my personal dream a reality and spend 8 days filled with fun and exciting activities during my time in the Los Angeles area. I created a daily calendar of famous historical Hollywood sites I had always wanted to visit. By planning my time carefully, I wanted to ensure my time in L.A. was meaningful.
The day finally arrived and it was time, catching the first flight out. I arrived into L.A. in the very early hours of the morning immediately I hit the ground running. My first stop was Hollywood Forever Cemetery to visit my very favourite silent film actor Rudolph Valentino. When I first entered the Cathedral Mausoleum it felt surreal and having never been here before I instinctively knew where Valentino’s crypt was. I spent time just gazing at a place that was very sacred and special. I took time and quietly spoke to him how he was a wonderful actor, still beloved by many people globally, and how much I adored him. Then I started to look at the other famous people that are laid to rest there and was in awe. After an hour, I went outside and toured more of the cemetery grounds. There was so much more I wanted to see, and made sure to book Karie Bible as my cemetery guide during my stay and it was worth my time and I highly encourage others to contact and make a tour with her.
The day I had been anxiously waiting for finally arrived. It was 23rd August, and I was going to Hollywood Forever Cemetery. I was an early arrival so I could find a good seat to take it all in. I made sure to grab a program and take my seat. I was in awe of how wonderful everything looked from the displays to the flowers it was simply beautiful and tasteful. I introduced myself to Mr. Tracy Terhune and congratulated him on how everything looked. I met Ms. Stella Grace, Christopher Riordan, and many other fellow attendees. From the music selections to the readings and the guest speaker, I was mesmerized by the whole service. Here I was personally mourning someone who meant a great deal to me surrounded by other fans all like-minded and it was what made this first visit special. After the reading of the 23rd Psalm the service ended all too soon and I felt sad. But I knew I was going to come back time and time again.
During my time in L.A. I was privileged to meet some incredible people who have become quite special to me. One person in particular became a close friend during my first visit to the city. Whenever I came back to L.A. in August each year thereafter, we would meet up and have a mini reunion spending the best time together during my visits. We had so much in common and she was such a wonderful friend to many. Last year when plans were being made to attend the memorial service did we find our friend Pam passed away quite unexpectedly. Life may go on but she is always with us.
I dedicate this article to Pam Colt who died on 10 Aug 2021. I miss you very much my friend.
All About Rudolph Valentino 
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