Post 43 and D.A.R. to restore WWI Memorial in Los Angeles
The WWI memorial at Elysian Park in Los Angeles needs a facelift
LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Post 43 is helping lead the effort to renovate and preserve a World War One memorial in L.A.'s Elysian Park as part of a national effort to commemorate the Great War. Post 43 member, Lester Probst and SAL Squadron 43 member, Bill Betten have taken a strong leadership role in our support to this project, part of a nationwide effort launched by the congressionally-chartered WWI Centennial Commission last year.
Hollywood Post 43 has partnered with the local Los Angeles Eschscholtzia Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution to restore the Victory Memorial Grove in Elysian Park Los Angeles. This Grove was established by the city in 1920, and the memorial plaque was erected there by the DAR in 1921. The target date for completion is Flag Day, June 14, 2017. Prior to that date we will be asking for volunteers to beautify the surrounding area and raise money for landscaping supplies.
The WWI Centennial Commission encourages organizations to hold public events on April 6, 2017 to mark the United States' entry in the Great War and its impact on world history. The State of California has commissioned a grassroots Task Force to work on events to take place in San Francisco and Los Angeles on that date. Task Force members include WW1 historians and authors: Professor Jonathan Roth of San Jose State, author Brig. Gen. R.G. Head, Davis Neville of the San Diego Air & Space Museum, Jeff Sharp of the Marching Through History Expos; and Edward Garcia from the California African American Museum. In addition, we have just received an offer of help from actor Jon Voight, who has a keen interest in this topic.
California WW1 Centennial Task Force member and organizer Bill Betten of SAL Squadron 43 is excited to share that plans are proceeding for events on April 6, 2017 at the L.os Angeles National Cemetery and the Memorial Coliseum. If you would like to participate in an event with time, talent, or treasure, please call Bill at 909-804- 2585 or contact him at centennial@WW1Doughboys.com.