Pasadena City Council approved a divisive statue placement in ‘Defenders Park’ by the Colorado Street Bridge during Monday night’s Council meeting.
The so-called “Enduring Heroes” war memorial project asked the Council’s permission to place an eight foot high sculpture in Defenders Park.
According to some estimates, California has lost over 700 servicemen and women in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and six hailed from Pasadena.
Members of the Gold Star families — an organization created by families who lost a loved one in the Iraq war — came to show their support. Veterans, family members of the servicemen to be honored, neighbors, and art preservationists weighed in. Those against it argued the privately-funded statue shouldn’t be on city property.
It took at least a year for the families to organize and get the proper paperwork in order. “It’s great the families took the initiative to do this … they’ve waited long enough,” Mayor Terry Tornek said.
The memorial was approved with all council members voting yes—with the exception of McAustin, who abstained.
The Council decided to take a closer look at the Tenant Protection Ordinance.
Monday’s four hour meeting began with a proclamation declaring October as Pedestrian Safety Month.
