Veterans’ Memorial Dedication Today

A memorial to veterans promised by the city nearly 50 years ago will finally be dedicated today at Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks Park.

City Councilman Mike Feuer will join veterans from American Legion Post 193 and their families for a 10 a.m. ceremony at the park at 14201 Huston St.

“I hope it makes everyone realize what’s been going on with the veterans,” said Bob Meyer, an American Legion member who had lobbied for years for the memorial. “Not many people give a hoot about veterans anymore.”

Feuer said the land for Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks Park was turned over to the city by local veterans in 1947 with the understanding that the city was to erect a memorial there to all service veterans.

“This memorial is long overdue and I am pleased to have played a role in ensuring that the city lives up to its commitment to our veterans,” Feuer said.

The memorial consists of a boulder trucked in from Elysian Park bearing an 18-by-24-inch plaque. The inscription reads: “American Legion Post 193 dedicates this memorial in honor of those veterans from the Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks area who served honorably in the Armed Forces of the United States of America during World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama and the Persian Gulf conflict. Some gave their lives, and all made sacrifices to preserve freedom and democracy for the peoples of all nations in a continuing quest for international peace.”