James Vierra (Photo: GoFundMe)

In Monrovia, seventh grader James Vierra, along with his fellow Boy Scouts of America from Troop 66, took on an inspiring mission to restore and revitalize a forgotten memorial for Veterans.

The memorial, located within Canyon Park, had been concealed for years until the Bobcat Fires of 2020 uncovered it, revealing a site in complete disarray. Recognizing the importance of honoring Veterans, James rallied his fellow scouts to answer the call for action. With the approval of the city of Monrovia, James and his troop undertook the significant task of rehabilitating the memorial and its surroundings as an Eagle Scout project.

James and his team refurbished a worn-out bench and added a new picnic table, providing a comfortable and inviting space for visitors to the memorial. They also ensured accessibility by installing compliant handrails, revitalized the area by planting new native plants, tidied up the surroundings, and finally, installed a new flagpole with a solar light so the American flag could once again fly proudly.

This project held a deep personal significance for James. Both his father and grandfather served in the military, and his grandfather had been wounded during the Vietnam War, earning a Purple Heart. To honor his grandfather’s sacrifice and service, the color of the Purple Heart was included in the bench as a tribute. James Vierra’s project honors the military heritage of his own family while also serving as an example of community service and respect for those who have served in the military.

Army Veteran Mark Daniel Peters expressed the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by Veterans and emphasized the need for younger generations to give back to those who have safeguarded their freedom. Daniel Rangel, another Army Veteran, expressed his pride in the recognition and honor bestowed upon Veterans through this initiative. He acknowledged that during his time in the service, and in the aftermath of the Vietnam War, Veterans often did not receive the appreciation they deserved.

James’s ultimate hope is that the restored memorial will once again become a cherished gathering place for the entire community, particularly local Veterans. Thanks to the determined efforts of this young seventh grader and Troop 66, Veterans in Monrovia now have a restored memorial to call their own.

Author: Rikki Almanza

Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.