Cerritos Veterans Memorial facts for kids
The Cerritos Veterans Memorial is a special monument in Cerritos, California. It's a tall sculpture built to honor local veterans. Veterans are people who have served in the military.
This memorial is part of a bigger plan called the "Cerritos Veterans Project." This project aims to collect and save the stories of veterans from Cerritos. The memorial was designed by an artist named James T. Russell. You can find it at the Cerritos Civic Center.
What is the Memorial Like?
The Cerritos Veterans Memorial was officially opened on November 11, 2006. This day is known as Veterans Day. It was the city's first yearly Veterans Day ceremony.
The main part of the memorial is a tall stainless steel sculpture. It stands about 20 feet (6 meters) high. The sculpture looks like a flame and sits above a calm reflecting pool.
Honoring the Military Branches
Around the reflecting pool, there are five special stands, called pedestals. Each pedestal has the symbol, or emblem, of one part of the United States armed forces:
There are also two other pedestals nearby. One honors the Merchant Marine. The other honors 32 different groups. These groups were recognized by Congress for their important work during World War I and World War II.
Special Events at the Memorial
The Cerritos Veterans Memorial is a central place for many important city events. These events often have a patriotic theme.
After its dedication, the first yearly Memorial Day ceremony was held here in 2008. Since 2007, the city has also moved its "Let Freedom Ring" event to the memorial grounds. This event celebrates the Fourth of July. In 2010, the city even held its Patriot Day concert at this special location.
