Former councilman asks council to expand Veterans Memorial with three statues; staff to prepare report

Former councilman Dan Harden presented a proposal at the May 6 meeting to add three new statues to the La Verne Veterans Memorial — including a seated wheelchair‑using amputee to symbolize wounded veterans, a statue honoring women who served, and a third figure — and asked council to allow the Veterans Memorial committee to reorganize and work with staff on design, permitting and fundraising.

Harden said the memorial has evolved over the years and that adding statuary would acknowledge the range of sacrifices, including those who returned with life‑altering injuries. He said committee members have preliminary artist examples and have talked with vendors but need city direction and staff liaisons to address permits and site planning.

Council response: City Manager Ken Domer said staff would prepare a report and designated staff recommendation language for a formal council agenda item. Council asked that staff expedite the report so council could consider any action before Memorial Day and suggested appointing a staff liaison to work with Harden and the veterans' committee.

Next steps: staff will prepare a staff report to return at the next council meeting with permit, site and funding options and to recommend two staff liaisons to work with the committee.