Hermosa Beach Veterans Memorial expands to honor the Space Force
By Laura Garber
by Laura Garber
Hermosa Beach residents gathered at the Veterans Memorial on the East Lawn of the Community Center Wednesday morning to honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Councilmember Ray Jackson, a retired U.S. Army colonel, served as Master of Ceremonies.
“As a veteran myself, it means a lot to see our Hermosa community come together and recognize those who served,” Jackson said.
The Redondo Union High School Marine Corps Junior ROTC presented the colors. Isabella Blake-Thomas sang the national anthem.
“We’ve all watched Isabella grow from the youngster to the young lady that she is today,” Jackson said.
Former mayor Kathy Dunbabin led the Pledge of Allegiance. From 1967 to 1968, Dunbabin volunteered as a Continental Airlines flight attendant on flights carrying troops to and from Vietnam.
“Going into Vietnam, our last sentence was, ‘See you next year,’” Dunbabin said. “I would like to say that our USA veterans are the best, and I thank you for all your service.”
Pastor Justin Monzon of Hope Chapel delivered the invocation.
Mayor Mike Detoy thanked veterans and the families who stood beside them.
“We owe you a debt that we can never fully repay,” Detoy said. “That service might be answering the call, spending long stretches away from home, family and friends, facing danger so the rest of us can sleep safely at night.”
Detoy said many veterans continue serving after they leave the military.
“Here in Hermosa Beach, they’re our neighbors and our friends. They’re local coaches and volunteers,” Detoy said.
Jackson asked veterans to stand by branch as the Armed Forces Salute played. The oldest veteran in attendance was 91. Scouting America Troop 860 presented each veteran with a pin.
U.S. Space Force Col. Neil Barnas delivered the keynote address. Barnas lives in North Redondo Beach, 1.6 miles from the memorial, which he passes by often, he said. He leads a team at Los Angeles Air Force Base responsible for military positioning, navigation and timing, including modernization of GPS.
“Hermosa Beach is known for its laid back vibe, its surfing and its beach volleyball,” Barnas said. “But woven into this community is a deep, enduring tradition of service.”
The Space Force was established in December 2019. It was the first new branch of the armed forces in 73 years.
The city plans to add a marble tablet recognizing the Space Force to the memorial.
“Different uniforms, different domains, different missions,” Barnas said. “But one oath. One Constitution. One country.”
Barnas said the memorial carries meaning beyond its materials.
“A memorial is not simply stone, metal and names,” Barnas said. “It’s a promise that crosses generations. It tells veterans that their service is seen.”
A Flying Tigers flyover passed overhead following the keynote.
Veterans Memorial Committee members Steve Crecy, Steve Staso and Mike Flaherty unveil a conceptual design for the memorial’s renovation, which will include the Space Force tablet.
Parks and Recreation Manager Brian Sousa said community members in Hermosa Beach and the South Bay led the effort to dedicate the memorial in 1994. Sousa and Veterans Memorial Committee members Steve Crecy, Steve Staso and Mike Flaherty unveiled a conceptual design for the memorial’s renovation, which will include the Space Force tablet.
“With the pledges of our generous community and the donations received, we are going to be renovating the Veterans Memorial,” Sousa said.
Jackson invited residents to join veterans who clean the memorial and replace its flags on the first Saturday of every month.
A reception followed at the Hermosa Beach Museum, featuring the city’s “Veterans Are Timeless” exhibit on local veterans. ER
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