Veteran urges Lake Forest to develop local veteran programs, suggests ceremonies and partnerships

Victor Shearer, a 22-year Lake Forest resident and Army veteran, addressed the Community Services Commission during public comment on April 2 to urge the city to develop ongoing veteran programs.

Shearer said he was "excited about the idea of helping the city of Lake Forest look at developing ongoing veteran programs as other communities have done successfully." He suggested the city host recognitions at City Hall and use the flagpole for ceremonies on Flag Day (June 14) and Veterans Day (Nov. 11). Shearer recommended contacting the local Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Mission Viejo for color guard and honor-guard support.

Shearer asked the commission to work with staff to agendize options for veteran programming and to ensure the City Council would consider funding as part of future budgets. He said programs could invite family members of fallen veterans and could be tailored to the city's facilities, including Veterans Park and City Hall.

Commissioners and staff acknowledged the suggestion, discussed informal ways veterans might participate in council meetings and flag events, and said staff would look into points of contact for ceremonial participation. No formal direction, resolution, or budget commitment was recorded in the meeting transcript.

Shearer said he intends to continue engaging with the commission on the topic and thanked members for the opportunity to speak.