TO:
Members of the Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM:
Mark Leyman, Parks and Recreation Director
Linda Robb, Sr. Management Analyst
SUBJECT:Title
Consideration of Veterans Day Event Enhancements
Body
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RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Parks and Recreation Commission discuss proposed enhancements to the annual Veterans Day event, for recommendation to the City Council.
BACKGROUND:
A Veterans Day Enhancement Committee was convened to explore ways to increase attendance, visibility, and community engagement at the City's annual Veterans Day Celebration. Committee members include: Larry Zimbalist (Chair), Stephan Doran, Ishaan Aggarwal, former Mayor Bob Holmes, and historian Gary McAulay.
The committee's core objective is to create a larger, more engaging, and more meaningful celebration for veterans, students, and the community at large, with a goal of zero incremental budget through partnerships, volunteers, and community engagement.
DISCUSSION:
1. Program Content Expansion
A. Veteran and Military Organization Participation
The Committee recommends expanding outreach to veteran and military groups to provide informational tables and direct engagement opportunities. Potential partners include:
? West LA Veterans Administration (VA Benefits Outreach)
? American Legion Posts (Hawthorne, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Westchester)
? Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts (Hawthorne, Redondo Beach, Gardena, Carson)
? Vietnam Veterans of America - South Bay Chapter
? Manhattan Beach National Guard units
? National Guard Infantry Battalion (Inglewood)
? Coast Guard Cutter Marina del Rey
? USCG Sector Headquarters (San Pedro)
? Space Force (El Segundo)
? Local Military Recruiting Offices
? Condor Squadron Flyover
Goals:
? Increase event relevance for veterans
? Provide access to veteran benefits
? Strengthen veteran-to-veteran and veteran-to-community connections
B. Static Military Displays
To increase visual impact ...
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