Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Uncommon Valor in Historic Filipinotown

With today being Veterans Day, the Militant wanted to find a monument in the City (aside from a Veteran Avenue street sign - speaking of which, ever notice that the Veterans Administration Hopsital is by Federal while the Federal Building is by Veteran?) that honored veterans somehow.

Back in August of '07, the Militant showed you this World War I memorial on Adams and La Brea in Mid-City, but this being a day to honor primarily the living veterans, rather than the dead ones (who have their own holiday), the Militant had to look elsewhere.

But he didn't have to bike that far. Working on operative tips, he discovered a relatively new veterans memorial, just west of Downtown, in a relatively hidden place called Lake Street Park, just north of Beverly Blvd in Historic Filipinotown (and around the corner from Brooklyn Bagel), that honors not just the courage of a certain group of veterans, but their unique battle, both during - and long after - the war.

Dedicated in 2006 and designed by public artist Cheri Gaulke, also known for her station art at the (M) Gold Line Lincoln Heights/Cypress Park stop, the Filipino World War II Veterans Memorial tells their story through five granite panels, which describe America's colonial relationship with the southeast Asian country, the role of Filipino soldiers during the war, particularly through Japanese occupation and such enduring events as the Bataan Death March.

But even after victory in 1945, the battle wasn't exactly over for the Filipino war veterans, who, through the Rescission Act of 1946, were ultimately denied the benefits promised to them during the war.

Since then, over time, the Filipino veterans received part of their benefits piecemeal - including some of the few surviving who received checks just this year, but not until they, their advocates in the Filipino community and their allies fought for it over the course of several decades.

Just then, right after the Militant took his pictures, as if on cue, a swarm of four helicopters from a Veterans Day ceremony flew almost nearly overhead.

It became a very appropriate VetsDay moment for the Militant.

Stay Militant, Veterans.

16 comments:

M. Bouffant said...

It's terrible that it took so long for those guys to get what little they got.

Unknown said...

"ever notice that the Veterans Administration Hopsital is by Federal while the Federal Building is by Veteran"

Your powers of LA observation never cease to amaze.

LC said...

I have a blog crush on you xoxox

haha

Militant Angeleno said...

Ms. Stephanie: Don't expect anything less from the Militant!

LC: The Militant is either loved or hated - there's no in-between!

Valleypinoy said...

hmmm...that monument seems very familiar...

LC said...

Militant, I think I can love you my dear sweet cheeks! lol

LC said...

By the way, the Federal building is not on Veteran.
However, the ARMY Reserve unit is on Federal..

Love you my sweet tamale

Militant Angeleno said...

LC: The Militant said the Fed Building was *BY* Veteran, not *ON* it. Difference there.

Does this count as a lover's spat now?

LC said...

Sorry Baby.. that's what is wrong with being a woman, we don't pay attention and just like to run our mouths! oops :( Forgive me?

Hmmm a lovers spat..sure;)

By the way, I have never been to the Eastside and have no idea where East L.A. is located... you should give me a private tour.

Militant Angeleno said...

"By the way, I have never been to the Eastside and have no idea where East L.A. is located..."

LC: Uh, you know where Los Angeles is? It's east of there...

lc said...

Hmmm yes!! I grew up in Westchester and than moved to 90064.. Sorry.. I only know where south central is. Don't judge me for my stupidity :o(.. Ok sorry I guess when I can find out where Lincoln Heights is than I will flirt with you and give you sweet kisses all night.

LC said...

Porque eres tan complicado?

Militant Angeleno said...

LC: Hmmm.okay ;) The Militant doesn't care what part of town you're from, but he does expect his ideal Angelena to be somewhat less geographically sheltered. It's your City, get to know it!

LC said...

Hmmmm you make me feel this ...(big)
Sorry love.. I just don't know people in other cities and I am a horrible driver. My friends live out here and they will never leave the Westside.

This is why I asked for a private tour.. gosh... I was just trying to be friendly and cheeky with you, but your kinda tough :*(

Militant Angeleno said...

LC: Hey, the Militant knows you're nice (and possibly hot), but of course his anonymity is something near and dear to him. Tellyawhut, if you can figure out who the Militant is, he's yours 4ever! ;)

LC said...

I know what this means to you and I am not trying to knock it.

I like your blog because it shows me around L.A. And unlike you, I don't have the ovaries to go around L.A. On my own... Ummm so if I find you, you are mine forever? Is that a promise? Sounds exciting. Well how can you start this challenge for me?