dfd (Photo courtesy TK)
Our Stories
M y devotion to honoring soldiers from Logan Heights who served in the Vietnam War has been a long and, at times, frustrating journey. As a U.S. Navy Vietnam Veteran (1965–69) and Logan Heights native, I’ve always been inspired by the memory of my father and my uncles who also served our country. Going back to 2007 and earlier, I’ve proudly served as their “warrior voice.” It has resulted in a colorful mosaic memorial in Chicano Park that pays everlasting tribute to our fallen warriors. Not many people outside of Logan Heights are aware that our veterans have served in every major war we’ve had since World War I. Each of these brave men and women gave so much, and many gave the ultimate sacrifice. Inspired by a Hero The idea for the monument came about in 2008 after my friend Johnny Banuelos, and I attended a memorial service. Afterwards, we headed to the Don Diego VFW Post 7420, a few blocks south from Chicano Park. Johnny reflected about his 23-year-old brother, U.S. Army Sgt. Albert A. Banuelos, Jr., who was killed in action in South Vietnam on September 19, 1968, saving another soldier’s life. He was awarded the Silver Star posthumously for “gallantry in action.” During the Vietnam War, we lost about 13 of our high school friends. If you remember, because the Vietnam War was so controversial, there was nothing in this country to welcome us back home. We both were also bothered by the fact that there was nothing in our neighborhood to honor our grandfathers, fathers, uncles or brothers for their sacrifice.
Logan Heights Veterans Memorial Monument By Frank “Kiko” Peralta U.S. Navy Vietnam Veteran, 1965–69
U.S. Army Sgt. Albert A. Banuelos, Jr., The inspiration behind the Logan Heights Veterans Memorial (Photo courtesy©Frank Peralta Collection)
270
San Diego Latino Legacy – Timeline • Milestones • Stories
Chapter 9 – Proudly We Serve
271
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator