Memorial Makeover

With Memorial Day only one week away, several Highland Park residents have t to revitalize the Veterans Square Memorial at the intersection of York Blvd. and N. Figueroa St. in preparation for the holiday.

On Sunday morning, Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council members Trisha Gossett, Janet Dodson and Rick Marquez along with Tony Howard of American Legion Post 206 and others were busy sweeping, power-washing and trash collecting at the square.

The group is also responsible for repairing the square's fountain and encouraging the Department of Water and Power to restore electricity to the square, so that the spot lights and fountain can again operate.

Gossett said she hopes community members take notice of the makeover at the Veterans Square Memorial, and in turn are encouraged to leave small shrines or mementos there throughout the week preceding Memorial Day.

"We never really pay the correct amount of homage to the people who have actually fought and died for this country so we can enjoy the level of freedom we have," Gossett said. "We're energized by this effort because it's the right thing to do."