“How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!”
-Maya Angelou
On Sunday, November 11th at 11:00 a.m. the City of Corona will dedicate its Veterans Memorial. The Memorial honors those from our community who have honorably served in the United States Armed Forces and worn a uniform to protect our freedom and way of life around the globe. As we unveil this long-awaited tribute to our local heroes, it’s important to reflect on the path that led us to this moment.
Over the years there have been many discussions and attempts to garner support to establish a memorial for our local veterans. Fannie Mae “FM” Doss, a WAVE (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service” during WWII), members of the American Legion and Auxiliary as well as veterans themselves have all came forward expressing interest in building a memorial in the City.
In April of 2001, the Corona City Council approved the Corona Veterans Memorial’s planning, construction and eventual dedication. At that time the Corona Veterans Memorial Division, composed of Corona-Norco area military veterans and community leaders were tasked with involving the community and raising funds for the Memorial. Long hours were spent with the community discussing, designing and planning a fitting tribute to our Armed Forces. When City Hall opened in 2005, the plans changed to locate the Memorial on its grounds and conceptual designs for the Memorial were developed by Baxter Miller Landscape Architects (BMLA) of Corona, CA. On May 4, 2005, the City Council adopted a resolution, officially designating the interior courtyard on the south entrance to City Hall as the primary site for the Veterans Memorial.
In 2010, Mayor Karen Spiegel appointed members of the community to the Corona Veterans Memorial Advisory Committee to discuss policy and design recommendations
regarding the long-planned Memorial at City Hall. The Committee was chaired by City Treasurer Richard O. Haley, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and, Jennifer Bryan, Ed Carrillo, Ruben Rasso, John Gavigan, Dave McDougall, and Gabe Garcia.
After a generous donation by Watermarke Properties, the BMLA plans for the Memorial started to become a reality. The design is a five-sided monolith structure, representing each branch of the military via their respective service medallions. The design also includes a water feature around the monolith, flags, hardscape improvements, trees, benches, sleeves for flags around the Memorial, and a kiosk containing a database of local veterans.
Construction was awarded to Micon Construction with the funding provided by Watermarke Properties and Corona’s Parks and Open Space Fund. Construction work for the Memorial began in June 2012 and will be completed in October 2012 for a dedication ceremony on Veterans Day.
November 11th is designated as Veterans Day as it marks the anniversary of the signing of the armistice, which ended the World War I hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany in 1918. This day is intended to honor and thank all military personnel who served their country and the City of Corona is proud to pay tribute to our Veterans with the unveiling of the Memorial.
Please join us in honoring our community’s veterans at the dedication of the Veterans Memorial at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 11, 2012 at the south entrance of City Hall (400 S. Vicentia Ave MAP). Light refreshments will be served. A vendor booth will provide flag etiquette information and American flag sales. The dedication will occur rain or shine. For more information and questions, please call the City of Corona Parks & Community Services Department at (951) 736-2241.
No offense to the veterans, but many of corona’s parks are lacking basic features like playground equipment and restrooms. Like Jameson Park.
Our youth sports program have difficulties in find locations to practice. I have been very disappointed with the current director of our parks and rec.
Just one comment: I agree our parks are important but where would these parks, or the land around, be if we had not provided the security for the freedom these parks, and so many other benefits, this great nation has to offer? This memorial will help viewers to remember the price paid that is so easy to forget! Let the children see and ask the meaning of this memorial; hopefully they will receive a fitting answer.
Where is the Air Force Emblem Will there be an Air Force Flag, recognition.
Kevin, you’ll notice the Air Force emblem on the actual flier at the top of the article. I think it was simply missed by our camera.
Wish it was at a later time for us church goers.
Thanks for putting this on..
Terilyn Brown
Mr. Lauffer,
It is a pity that people like you might have had a park for you children to play. If it were not for those whom defended our great Country that these Service men/women that gave their lives do so. It would be a shame not to pay them this tribute. The children will learn from books and school and parents what an why these Veterans deserve this this honor.
Robert Doktor
Mr. Doktor,
Mr. Lauffer was responding to “WHAT’S” comment. I think your beef is with “WHAT” who isnt even strong enough to use their real name. I would also add to Mr. Lauffer’s comments that not only did they pay for this with their service and some with their lives, the veterans raised the money to build the memorial. I “What” wants more park services for free, he/she needs to remember what the true cost of this memorial is all about.
Served proudly US Army during VietNam era and Cold War patrolling the east west German order with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment
CTroop 1st squadron
Both sides are right:
Time to realize, people are not going to change. But, this is a good thing.
We need security to function and those who run towards danger, firefighters, police and military love to serve and where would we be without the warrior-class who keep order and defend, so people don’t overstep their pursuits to interfer with other’s pursuits, of something different!
In turn, when the fight is over: we need the lovers, caring, peaceful and healing people then. At the forefront of what we need, before and after the dangers!
Do we not see? – We need both but a different times. Accept both are needed here in the USA.
I would like to thank the City of Corona for recognizing Veterans I am proud to have served the United States of America against all enemies foreign and domestic.
Thank you Corona! Its the least we can do when they give us SO much!