COSTA MESA : College President Backs WWII Plaque
Orange Coast College’s president said Monday that he will recommend that a plaque commemorating World War II veterans be erected on campus.
The plaque was commissioned by the Harbor Area World War II Commemorative Committee, chaired by former Costa Mesa Mayor Jack Hammett.
The group chose Orange Coast for the memorial because the campus is on the site of a former military training center.
President David Grant had come under fire from the veterans group after he expressed reservations about the wording of the inscription, which praises U.S. veterans for their part in defeating the powers of Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy and Imperial Japan during World War II.
“If I had been given an opportunity to discuss it, I may have suggested they use the term ‘Axis powers,’ ” Grant said, “which may have made it palatable to everyone.”
Hammett said Grant was not consulted because it never occurred to members of the committee that the wording would be controversial.
“We are amazed that anyone thinks it is offensive,” he said.
Trustees of the Coast Community College District must give final approve for the hanging of the plaque.
Grant said he will recommend that the board do so at its Aug. 22 meeting.
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