|
Written by Tamara Rodriguez The City of Santee will honor and recognize veterans with the dedication of its new Veterans Memorial Bridge & Monument on November 11, 2021. The memorial has been approved by the City Council, the plans have been drawn up, and residents of Santee will soon see an empty space transform into a symbol of respect for those who defend freedom. At the southeast corner of Mast Boulevard and Fanita Parkway near Santee Lakes, the vision of Santee City Councilman Dustin Trotter will come to fruition. “Military is near and dear to my heart,” said Trotter. Trotter added, “This is a place for veterans and their family members to go, and where our community can appreciate the vast veteran community in Santee.” Joining Councilman Trotter on this project is interior designer Michael Ranson. The materials are selected to complement the natural environment of the site and the city of Santee. Subdued tones are purposefully chosen to create a calming and reflective experience. Decomposed granite and limited native plant landscaping will enhance the site, Ranson said. Ranson added, the Memorial structure is 11 ft x 11 ft x 11 ft in recognition of the origins of Veterans Day and the ending of WWI on “the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.” The memorial gives equal importance to each branch of the military. There are six concrete seating cylinders, one for each branch of the military with a seal on the monument. The structure is angled in an attempt to maximize the lighting from the setting sun each November 11th. Additionally, the bridge the goes over Mast Boulevard at Santee Lakes will be renamed the Santee Veterans Memorial Bridge, indicated with a new stone sign. Santee has once again set the example. When we told our World War II veterans “a grateful nation remembers,” Councilman Trotter and the City of Santee have put those words into action. Santee can look forward to a thoughtful memorial with the work of Councilman Trotter and Michael Ranson. The Santee Chamber of Commerce is working with Councilman Trotter to raise the memorial funds. Funding for this project’s completion relies completely on private donations and fundraising efforts through the Santee Chamber of Commerce. Donations can be made by mailing checks payable to the “Santee Chamber of Commerce” to 9625 Mission Gorge Road, Suite B2-315, Santee, CA 92071 or online contributions can be made by visiting the Santee Chamber’s website or can contribute via PayPal.
|
Santee To Honor And Recognize Veterans With A Memorial This November
