Veterans memorial takes shape

First American Indian veterans memorial to be erected in CaliforniaThe memorial is slated to be positioned at a prominent location in the 900 acre cemetery; it is expected to extend around a lake and be dotted with 12 pedestals, each depicting a significant Indian contribution to the country and correlating with each BIA region. One pedestal could be carved into a Choctaw code talker, another could depict Ira Hayes or Lori Piestewa.

An eagle will decorate the pedestals each depicting a segment of its flight from takeoff to landing, members of the advisory committee said. The conceptual plans also call for a terrazzo plaza at the street side end of the lake with built-in sightlines leading to each pedestal overlooking the water.

“It’s going to be like a history book, a touching story about American Indians’ service to our country,” said Dan Brown, a retired Air Force one-star general and advisory committee member.

Some $250,000, provided by the Morongo Band from nearby Cabazon, has paid for architects and exploratory studies and plans, Brown said. Supporters are hoping tribes will help pay the expected $4 to $5 million it will take to build.Comment:  For more on the subject, see No Monument to Native Soldiers.