Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Memorials topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
San Juan Capistrano council favors brick‑paver veterans memorial, asks staff to explore moving existing memorials
Summary
Council selected a brick‑paver concept for a new Veterans Park memorial, authorized staff to solicit construction bids using an existing $50,000 CIP allocation, and asked staff to evaluate relocating an existing Dreadnought Memorial boulder into the new site.
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO — The City Council on Aug. 19 selected a brick‑paver design for a new Veterans Park memorial and directed staff to solicit bids using a $50,000 allocation in the FY25‑26 capital improvement program.
Tom Tillman, the city’s Public Works and Community Services director, presented two design options developed with American Legion Post 721 and RJM Design Group: Option 1, a brick‑paver concept that engraves veterans’ names on pavers installed in front of the memorial wall; and Option 2, a wall‑mounted plaque that displays names directly on the monument. Both designs include LED accent lighting, a silhouette referencing Mission San Juan Capistrano and plaques representing each military branch.
Tillman said the paver option can be expanded to add many names over time, that eligibility to be listed would require a San Juan Capistrano tie (resident, birthplace or membership in a local veterans organization), and that the American Legion administers the annual naming process for Memorial Day submissions (deadline April 30).
Pat Forrester of the American Legion described a privately created Dreadnought Memorial boulder and proposed relocating it to the new Veterans Park site; members of the American Legion reported a unanimous preference for the paver approach.
Several council members signaled support for pavers because they allow for more expansion and provide a visible "walk of honor." Council members also asked staff to evaluate whether the Dreadnought rock could be moved into the park and what restrictions might be needed to avoid unconstrained proliferation of smaller memorials at the site.
The council moved, seconded and voted in favor of the paver concept and asked staff to return with cost estimates and a plan to assess relocation feasibility.
If the council proceeds with construction, staff said bids could be solicited and construction completed as early as early 2026, contingent on contracting and cost confirmation.
The council’s decision included direction to work with the American Legion on inscription policy and to preserve the existing cemetery memorial; Tillman said the current cemetery memorial will remain in place while the park memorial provides additional capacity.
