- Edmundo Cuevas
- (916) 319-2052
(Los Angeles, CA) — Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles) is pleased to announce the unveiling of the El Rio Veterans Memorial at the El Rio de Los Angeles State Park in the neighborhood of Cypress Park. The site features three flagpoles consisting of the American, State of California and City of Los Angeles flags and a stone with a plaque that reads “El Rio Veterans — In Honor of Those Who Serve” showcasing the five military insignias.
“This is a historic win for our community in recognizing the contributions of veterans from the Northeast and all those who have bravely served in our nation’s military,” Assemblymember Carrillo said. “It is my hope that residents see themselves reflected in this memorial and the many contributions of our veterans right here at home. This project is the result of stakeholder collaboration and an understanding from our California State Parks on the central role they play in our local communities.”
The California State Park Executive Committee’s approval of the construction of the site honoring Northeast Los Angeles veterans has been years in the making and finally became a reality, thereby honoring the many contributions of veterans from Northeast Los Angeles and surrounding communities.
“California State Parks is honored and privileged to have been a part of the El Rio Veterans Memorial.” California State Parks said. “We extend our utmost gratitude to the Rio Veterans for their hard work and tenacity with seeing this project through to completion. We also would like to thank the elected officials, the City of Los Angeles and the myriad of individuals and community groups that played an essential role. It is the hope of California State Parks that this memorial stand in honor of those who have served - past, present and future.”
Spearheaded by Vietnam War veteran and Glassell Park resident Art Camarillo who serves as Chairman of the Rio de Los Angeles Veteran Collaborative, this flagpole project will be similar to an existing installation at Dockweiler State Beach.
“The Memorial at Rio de Los Angeles is a tribute to all the men and women that served in military service and for the ones that did not make it home.” Camarillo said. “We should always make sure that they are never forgotten!”
The site will be used to observe Memorial and Veterans Day, at which time the prisoner of war flag would be flown below the American flag.
The Office of Assemblymember Carrillo has prioritized park access and a new vision for the Rio de Los Angeles State Park that is inclusive and community-driven. The office is grateful for the leadership of California State Parks for their pivotal contributions to this project as well as the offices of Congressmember Jimmy Gomez, Supervisor Hilda Solis, Mayor Eric Garcetti, Councilmember Gil Cedillo, and Councilmember Kevin de Leon for their support and advocacy.
Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo was elected to the 51st Assembly District in December of 2017. She is a member of the Rules, Appropriations, Health, Labor and Employment , Utilities and Energy, and Privacy and Consumer Protection Committees. Carrillo represents the people of East Los Angeles, Northeast Los Angeles, and the neighborhoods of El Sereno, Echo Park, Lincoln Heights, Chinatown and parts of Silver Lake.