The Two Strike Park War Memorial has fallen rocks and is starting to show its age, Veteran Lynn McGinnis told Patch.
The rock memorial was built in 1959 - before earthquake building regulations and safety codes were prevelent - and honors men who gave their lives in defense of the U.S.
Now, local veterans from the American Legion Post 288 and Veterans of Foreign War Post 1614 are working together to build a new war memorial wall for community veterans and active military members, said Veteran Lynn McGinnis.
"The new Memorial Wall will be nearly three times larger and also honor the men who gave their lives," McGinnis said. "It will have their individual names on it."
In addition to honoring military members who serve or have served the U.S., the group sponsors local Boy Scout Troop 288, Junior ROTC at Cresceta Valley High School and offers scholarships for students, McGinnis said.
There are several events throughout the year that fundraise for the event, including the Crescenta Valley Canteen in December 2011, which raised about $3,000 with help from the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce.
The next opportunity to help the nearly 300 veterans in the Crescenta Valley will be . All community members are invited to chow down pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee with family and friends. Tickets are $5 per person.
If someone can't attend the event, he or she can always make a donation, McGinnis said.
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.
