dfd (Photo courtesy TK)
Soon, we got together with other veterans from other eras, and everyone thought it was a great idea. We organized the Veterans Memorial Committee, which grew to 30 or 40 veterans, and we raised close to $30,000 for the monument. In the process of deciding where the memorial should be placed, we believed that Chicano Park would be the best location because for so many of us who were raised here, Chicano Park symbolizes who we are. Built of stone, it stands five feet high, with a five-foot base. Following several years to raise enough funds to make it happen, it was officially dedicated May 18, 2013.
Frank “Kiko” Peralta U.S. Navy Vietnam Veteran 1965–1969 (Photo courtesy©Frank Peralta Collection)
A Monument for all Veterans Originally, we had intended to honor only those Mexican American veterans who were raised in Logan Heights, but I’m grateful that the project was expanded to include all veterans who have a close connection to our home. I’m also proud that each of the four major U.S. service branches are represented with official logos, as well as those that represent the Coast Guard, Merchant Marines and National Guard. This is an honor that belongs not only to those American women and men veterans of the past and present from Logan Heights, but also to those who will serve in the future, defending our country with pride about who they are and where they come from.
Logan Heights Veterans Memorial Dedicated May 18, 2013 (Photo courtesy 2022©latinolegacyfoundation.org)
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San Diego Latino Legacy – Timeline • Milestones • Stories
Chapter 9 – Proudly We Serve
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