“It all started on a paper towel”—the Arcadia Vietnam War Monument, a scrupulously designed memorial, was first imagined by subtle means but with a comprehensive regard. Gene Glasco’s hand-drawn dream to commemorate all those who honorably served is approaching fruition this May 28, when the Monument will be installed at L.A. County’s Arcadia Park for Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich’s “Salute to Veterans and Their Families” event.
Gene Glasco with Chairman Jack Orswell
Gene Glasco, Vietnam veteran and Arcadia’s City Clerk, is the founder of the Arcadia Vietnam War Monument, a passion project he gave testimony to this morning (March 3) at the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Government Affairs Forum led by Chairman Jack Orswell and held in the Chamber’s conference room, sponsored by Foothill Credit Union. Gene provided an exclusive preview of the memorial as well as invoked a greater awareness and appreciation for the fourteen fallen Arcadia servicemen to be notably recognized.
(View Gene Glasco’s PowerPoint presentation in the following video gallery below — to change image, click arrows at sides or click on thumbnails at bottom; click “FS” at bottom right to go full screen, and “SL” to have slides sequence — story continues below).[flagallery gid=359]
Forum attendees comprised of city officials, legislative representatives, and citizens provided recent reports and insight on developments pertaining to their corresponding areas. Around the filled table, accounts were rendered on current bills regarding animal welfare, armed services hazing, and resources for those with developmental disabilities. Other topics included information on a sponsored small business workshop and the upcoming Metro Gold Line, both of which are occurring on March 5.
Though Gene’s vision for the Arcadia Vietnam War Monument was initially transcribed on a paper towel, his experience with memorial design harkens back to more than a decade prior. He originally oversaw the dedication of the Vietnam Unit Memorial Monument at the Naval Amphibious Base-Coronado. With the imminent 50th anniversary of those who served (the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes service from February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975), Gene knew that his beloved city should honor the servicemen’s sacrifices accordingly. With his high school classmate Eugene Hicks in mind, who was killed in action nearly a month after he began his tour in 1967, he approached Supervisor Antonovich in May 2015 for the project’s endorsement. Supervisor Antonovich readily gave his support to install the monument at L.A. County’s Arcadia Park for the following year.
The Monument is to be located across the street from the Arcadia Elks Lodge 2025, which is a prime site for community visibility and access. The pre-casted concrete block memorial measures 10 ft. wide by 7 ft. high and will feature an anterior dedication plaque inset in a diamond coat impervious to harm for the fourteen Arcadia servicemen. On the posterior, three bronze plaques are included— an individual donor plaque for memorial construction; a company and organization plaque for memorial construction; and an ‘in honor’ plaque for those have fallen, regardless of whether that individual was an Arcadia resident or served in Vietnam. This feature is especially noteworthy, as it allows any citizen to discernibly commemorate a loved for their service. The American standard, POW, and California state flags will also atop the memorial and will be encapsulated by the Elks for display on holidays and by personal request from organizations.
Gene graciously remarked that the construction and dedication endeavor has been a “very humbling experience” and that he is thankful for the continued respect and enthusiasm he has received. Gene’s earnest commitment resonates when he speaks about the project with nuance and conviction, his face-brimming smile never ceasing when he considers the gratifying impact of the memorial upon the community. One hundred percent of the donations not only go towards the Monument, but a trust fund has also been set up in perpetuity so that the memorial remains a pristine beacon of remembrance and tangible history.
Donations for the Arcadia Vietnam War Monument can be made to the Arcadia Elks Lodge, 27 West Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007 or by credit card by visiting the website.
Visit the Arcadia Vietnam War Monument’s Facebook page to follow progress in anticipation for the “jaw-dropping” dedication on May 28.
Reports from legislators and their representatives:
- Viola Van, representing Congresswoman Judy Chu, summarized the Feb. 25 press release concerning the HEART Act to help animals rescued by the federal government by placing the burden of paying for rehabilitation upon their abusers, introduced by Reps. Judy Chu and John Katko; also summarized was the Mar. 1 press release concerning Rep. Judy Chu’s testimony before the House Armed Services Committee about the need to eliminate hazing in the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act; the deadline for the 7th Annual Women of Distinction Awards of the 27th Congressional District is approaching but flexible beyond the March 6 request.
- Clayton Arrick, representing Senator Dr. Ed Hernandez, shared that the MCO Tax bill passed on Feb. 29 will help stabilize Medi-Cal funding and provide significant resources for those with developmental disabilities—notably, the bipartisan plan will generate $8 billion in federal support of Medi-Cal over three years, proving the government works across party lines.
- Adam Hsu, representing Senator Assemblymember Ed Chau, gave a reminder about the free Small Business Workshop on Workers Compensation, ADA compliance, and services available through California’s Go-Biz program for business-owners is happening Saturday, March 5.
- Brian Mejia, representing Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, informed attendees that displaced residents of the Porter Ranch gas leak now have an extended period to live in temporary housing for an additional 30 days, rather than the 8 day period planned by Southern California Gas Company—the public health department and AQMD will continue to monitor the community; the NoHo to Pasadena Express, Line 501 started March 1 and costs $2.50 to ride seven days a week.
Mayor Gary Kovacic
- Mayor Gary Kovacic reminded attendees about the March 5 opening of the Metro Gold Line—ceremonies will begin at 8:30am in Duarte and proceed at 11am from the Arcadia station; the Mayor’s Community Breakfast is taking place on April 1 at 7:30am at the FrontRunner Restaurant in Santa Anita Park featuring California Teacher of the Year, Alex Kajitani; City Council elections are approaching—ballots go out March 14th; Measure A is also included on the April ballot to eliminate the Utility Users’ Tax—there is unanimous support from the individual members of City Council to eliminate the measure.
- Tim Schwehr, Developmental Analyst, remarked that there has been a boom on business developments due to the opening of the Metro Gold Line; the March 5 opening of the Metro Gold Line will feature great entertainment and giveaways including raffle.
The next Government Affairs Forum on April 7 at 8 a.m. will feature Mayor Gary Kovacic who will offer insight on his many experiences while serving on City Council as Mayor before he is termed out the following week.
The public is invited at 8 a.m. on the first Thursday of each month to hear informative presentations at the monthly Government Affairs Forum led by Chairman Jack Orswell from Orswell & Kasman, Inc. Environmental Assessments & Consulting. The Forums are held at the Chamber office at 388 W. Huntington Drive in Arcadia in the Chamber’s conference room sponsored by Foothill Credit Union. RSVPs to the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce office are appreciated – (626) 447-2159 or info@ArcadiaCaChamber.org
