5K Run to Benefit Local Veterans Memorial Fund

Crescenta Valley veterans are still working to replace the war memorial at Two Strike Park in La Crescenta and will host a - the same day as the - on Saturday, April 21 to help raise the required $75,000. 

Names of local veterans who gave their lives in defense of the nation and community will be listed on a new memorial wall, Lynn McGinnis of American Legion Post 288 told Patch. 

Check-in starts at 9:15 a.m. April 21. The 5K Run starts at 10 a.m. The 5K Walk starts at 10:05 a.m. and costs a $20 entry fee for a commemorative T-shirt. 

Both veterans from the American Legion Post 288 and Veterans of Foreign War Post 1614 in La Crescenta hosted a , raising about $3,600 after expenses. 

"Our recent pancake breakfast at Rosemont Middle School raised $3,600 after expenses. The goal is $75,000 and we have reached the $26,200 or 35% of our goal," McGinnis said. 

Locals can register the day of or before by mailing an entry form and $20 to American Legion Post 288, 3131 Foothill Blvd., Suite D, La Crescenta, CA 91214. 

How to Make a Donation to the Two Strike Park War Memorial 

If you'd like to make a donation, please make a check payable to American Legion Post 288. Mail to Two Strike Memorial Wall, PO Box 12182, La Crescenta, CA, 91214.

How to Join the American Legion or Veterans of Foreign War

"We're always looking for new members," McGinnis said. 

Veteran services is an integral part of the organization, which is something the organizations encourage and discuss, he said. 

"A lot of [veterans] don't hook up with the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs and when they're 73 years old and they're sick," McGinnis said. "You have to register with the VA."

American Legion Post 288 meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 4011 La Crescenta Ave., La Crescenta. 

Veterans of Foreign War Post 1614 meets the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 4011 La Crescenta Ave., La Crescenta.