The Hostess House as it was prior to the Memorial Flagpole’s installation. The flagpole seen here was donated by The American Legion sometime after World War I and before 1930. (Photo: Palo Alto Historical Association)

On April 13, Palo Alto’s Historic Resources Board heard presentations from both California American Legion Post 375 and Stanford University regarding damage to the Memorial Flagpole outside the Julia Morgan-designed Veterans Memorial Building. 

At the invitation of Post 375, The California Legionnaire attended the meeting virtually while Department Commander Jere Romano attended the study session in person. 

Background: Palo Alto’s Memorial Flagpole was damaged in 2020

Over two years ago, alleged copper thieves damaged the base of the Memorial Flagpole, sparking Stanford University officials to remove four plaques commemorating Veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic — Union soldiers who served during the American Civil War — as well as the Native Sons of the Golden West, California Pioneers with a controversial history. The plaques were then stored in a secure location on Stanford’s campus while a protective barrier was constructed around the flagpole’s base to protect it from further damage. 

Throughout this period, Post 375 has advocated for the Memorial Flagpole’s restoration, culminating in Thursday’s Historic Resources Board, or HRB, study session.

California American Legion Post 375’s case

Post 375’s case was presented by retired Col. and Post 375’s First Vice Commander Raymond Powell, who highlighted The American Legion’s long-standing relationship with the Memorial Flagpole.

Per First Vice Commander Powell, Post 375 has been responsible for maintaining the flagpole since 1930, when the Memorial Flagpole was first moved to the grounds of the Veterans Memorial Building. Since the erection of the protective barrier, however, maintaining the flagpole has become “challenging” to the point that assistance from the Palo Alto Fire Department has been required.

Powell went on to demonstrate the Veterans Memorial Building’s historical significance, particularly in light of a proposed 2021 plan that would replace the structure and its grounds with a housing development. Powell then noted that the Veterans Memorial Building, which is also known as the Hostess House, was, according to the City of Palo Alto, the first community house in the United States. Prior to its use by The American Legion and other local veterans groups, the building was part of Camp Fremont during World War I. 

After the war, the property was to be used as a public space, and as such, Post 375 has regularly held its meetings at the Veterans Memorial Building since.

In his closing statement, First Vice Commander Powell said, “as a Veteran in Palo Alto, the Veterans across the country are in a very different state than we were 100 years ago…obviously, we no longer have a draft so there are fewer Veterans. In Northern California, a lot of the bases were closed so there are fewer veterans here. And it is very important to those Veterans who remain that we have some sense of belonging and community and integrity about us, and that the community continues to value us…to see our final monuments here in Palo Alto disappear would be very heartbreaking to the Veterans of Palo Alto.”

Stanford University pledges to restore the Memorial Flagpole with input from Post 375 and Palo Alto’s Historic Resources Board

Stanford University’s case was presented by University Architect, Executive Director of Heritage Service, and Palo Alto native Dr. Laura Jones.

Stanford’s case hit many of the same notes that Post 375’s presentation highlighted, while also claiming that throughout the two-year period, “Stanford has acted in good faith to protect the flagpole. And we honor and respect the contributions of American Legion Post 375 in the care of the flags at the site.”

While Dr. Jones lauded the “patriotism, honor and service” of the Veterans plaque and Memorial Flagpole, she also suggested that a “reconsideration of plaques that honor the Native Sons of the Golden West” be in order. 

Controversy surrounds the Native Sons of the Golden West plaques

The Native Sons of the Golden West played a large role in establishing California as it is today, but the group also perpetuated harsh discriminatory practices against Asian and Mexican immigrants. Most notably, a former Grand President of the organization once stated that “California was given by God to a white people, and with God’s strength we want to keep it as he gave it to us.”

The group actively advocated against minority groups in California through the early 20th century, including an attempt to disenfranchise Japanese-American citizens during World War II.

Nevertheless, when The California Legionnaire reached out to Dr. Jones for comment, she reaffirmed Stanford’s support for restoring the Memorial Flagpole, noting that “I think everyone accepts that the Native Sons’ political activities promoted discrimination. Now that we’re aware of it, we need to somehow address the controversy. There will be more than one way to do that, and we just need to come together on a creative solution. Stanford is committed to working that out with the Legion post and [the city of Palo Alto].” 

The Native Sons of the Golden West plaques were not mentioned in Post 375’s presentation, which instead focused on restoring the flagpole itself. 

The HRB, however, appeared divided. Some board members suggested that the Native Sons’ plaques be restored and used as a teaching moment. Others either suggested that the pioneer group’s continued involvement only invited further vandalism or should be taken down in light of the organization’s past.

A “collaborative conversation” going forward

Ultimately, Dr. Jones noted that the historical property represents the “shared heritage of Stanford, Palo Alto, and our Veterans’ community, and it’s important to us to address these choices in a collaborative conversation.”

Palo Alto Mayor Lydia Kou encourages the Historic Resources Board to address the issue with follow-up action

Once both presentations concluded, Palo Alto Mayor Lydia Kou asked the HRB to transition the issue from a study issue to an “action item,” requesting that the board follow up with Stanford to ensure restoration efforts remain a priority.

After the session, The California Legionnaire reached out to Mayor Kou, who commented, “urban and population growth should not erase and eliminate buildings and places of historical significance. The Julia Morgan Veterans Memorial Building is an important piece of history and is tied to the Memorial Flagpole, which was dedicated to commemorating Veterans.

Reviewing the report Post 375 provided, the photo of the original flagpole was quite substantive.  It would appear when the flag was flown, it can probably be seen from quite far, from the bay to the mountains.”

The California Legionnaire also received a response from First Vice Commander Raymond Powell, who said, “the presentation and meeting went extremely well.” Both Post 375 and Dr. Jones agreed that more discussions will need to take place to find a suitable solution. 

The full video of the study session can be viewed here. The California Legionnaire will continue to report on this topic as new developments emerge.

Author: Christian Southards

Coming from a family with a proud military background and wanting to contribute his writing skills to a worthy cause, Christian began writing for the California American Legion in August of 2020. His father is a 25-year Army Veteran and his grandfather served in the Navy during Vietnam.