By Lookout Staff

May 29, 2010 -- Capt. Joshua A. Mantz, an American soldier who was shot in Iraq, nearly died from his wounds and was brought back to life, will speak at the Memorial Day program on Monday at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Mantz was shot by a sniper while he attempted to drag a soldier’s body to safety. After escaping the line of fire he began to fade in and out of consciousness. He essentially died, and was revived by the medical staff.

“He is a true American hero, and eager to share his amazing and inspiring story with you,” a City release for the Memorial Day event stated.

The observance will also feature performances by the Sacred Nation Concert Choir (the House of Blues Gospel Choir), the Santa Monica Oceanaires Barbershop Chorus, the Rainbow Riders Choral Group from St. Monica Catholic High School and the combined Lincoln and John Adams Middle Schools choir.

Two military flyovers, one of which will feature vintage WWII aircraft, will also take place at the event.

The free event will begin at 11 a.m. Parking will be available at the parking structure located at Santa Monica College on Pico Boulevard and 16th Street and the college parking lot located at the southeast corner of Pico Boulevard and 14th Street. The Big Blue Bus will provide shuttles to and from Woodlawn Cemetery from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. There is no charge for parking or the shuttle. There will be no parking allowed on the grounds of Woodlawn Cemetery.

For additional information, contact the cemetery office at 310-458-8717.