A selection of letters in support of the Logan Heights Veterans Memorial in Chicano Park.

January 17, 2007

Ms. Tommie Camarillo
Chairperson
Chicano Park Steering Committee

Dear Ms Camarillo,

"The Latino American Political Association would like to endorse the request of the Logan Heights Veterans Memorial Committee for a Logan Heights Veterans Memorial in Chicano Park.

We believe it is imperative that we openly recognize the achievements, contributions and sacrifice that Logan Heights residents have made to this country.

We agree with the vision that the memorial should blend in with the unique surroundings of Chicano Park, that it should make no political statement and that it should be designed by a local artist to showcase the amazing talent available in the local community.

We ask that you join with the Logan Heights Veterans Memorial Committee to make this vision a reality so that we all have a place to go to recognize the service and sacrifice made by so many of our neighbors."

Sincerely,

Pedro Quiroz
President
LAPA of San Diego

December 23, 2008

The Logan Heights Veteran Memorial Committee:

I'm writing this letter to support the Memorial to our Veterans of Logan Heights. I was raised in this neighborhood and attended local schools. As I grew up I heard memories of our veterans sacrifices and experiences during war and how they went overseas to defend our freedom that we are able to enjoy with our families and friends.

This Memorial will give us an opportunity to honor members of our community. It will also give the young generations a look at our past and be proud of those who were called or volunteered their services to our nation. In todays times young people need to know the sacrifice of our veterans and the importance of their contribution so we dont take anything for granted.

I strongly support this project and I hope it will be accomplished with the support of the community.

Jose Ortiz
39th Street
San Diego

January 23, 2008

To: Tommie Camarillo, Chairperson
Chicano Park Steering Committee

Having lived in the same house on Logan Ave. since 1943, I have observed the Logan Heights neighborhood grow into a well respected community. During this time period, I have seen the good changes in our community and all the local attractions. I will start off with father time does not stop for anyone, and I still remember the .05 cent ride on the street cars that ran through Logan Heights. A used tire would be your admission to the Metro and Cornet Movie Theater. The Safeway store, Bank of America, and Dr. Tanaka were part of the Logan Heights Community. Main Street was the only main road - thorough fair going south towards National City, Chula Vista and T.J. and it was always congested with Traffic.

The Ayala Family has been well respected in the military service during WWII. I had one brother in the South Pacific and one served in Europe. I also had another brother serve during the Korean conflict.

I strongly support the Veterans Memorial in Chicano Park to remember old friends who lost their lives in the service of their country. I have lost several old friends who lost their lives during the war and it would be an honor to them to have a memorial for them in their old neighborhood.

Thank you,
Steve Ayala
Life long Logan Heights resident

January 19, 2008

I, Jesus Ochoa, a Marine in 1942 to 1945 in the 4th Raider Battelion with General James Roosevelt, support the idea of having a memorial in Chicano Park honoring all my neighborhood veterans.

I have lost many friends from my neighborhood in all wars and it would be an honor to visit a memorial for them.

Jesus Ochoa

Click Letter to Enlarge

Mary Salas, Assemblywoman, 79th District
Assembly California Legislature

Click Letter to Enlarge

Bob Filner
Congress of the United States, House of Representatives

Click Letter to Enlarge

Dr. John Mesa Bareño

Click Letter to Enlarge

Elfren Mason Solomon

Click Letter to Enlarge

The National Organization for Mexican American Rights (NOMAR)
Marlow Martinez, Chapter President of NOMAR

Click Letter to Enlarge

Mr. Cleo Thompson Jr., District Manager for Assemblyman Jay La Sur, Community Activist

Click Letter to Enlarge

Pearl Quinones, President Board of Trustees, Sweetwater Union High School District

Additional Endorsements in Concept Only:

Mr. Armando Rodriquez
Educator, Author, San Diego City Schools Administrator - retired

Jay La Sur
Two-term Assemblyman, 77th District, retired, Author "Sempre Fi Highway" located at Hwy. 15 & Miramar Road

William Flores
Spokesperson for El Groupo, Advocate for Hispanic Rights in the Escondido area

Juan Leyva
Post Commander, San Diego VFW Post 7420

Bobby Price
Retired U.S. Naval Officer, long time advocate of Veterans Rights

John Banuelos
Retired Administrator for the State of California

Thomas Richards
President of United Veterans Council, San Diego Chapter