Irvine in Orange County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Northwood Gratitude and Honor Memorial

A story of community, compassion and collaboration

Photographed By Adam Margolis

1. Northwood Gratitude and Honor Memorial

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

In 2003, a group of Irvine residents came together at Northwood Community Park, recognizing military personnel for their service and honoring individuals who died in the line of duty while serving in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. The passionate and committed residents conducted annual ceremonies, erected displays with names of the fallen, letters from families, posters of Medal of Honor recipients, poems and memorabilia. The ceremonies continues to grow along with the number of fallen. In 2006, the community group submitted a proposal for a permanent "gratitude and Honor" memorial at the park.

In 2007, the Irvine City Council approved funding for design and construction of a new park monument sign at Northwood Community Park with a commemorative competent reflecting the gratitude and honor theme. The City and community members worked together on a deign and plan to construct a significant memorial in horn of fallen heroes from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

The Northwood Gratitude and Honor memorial was completed in 2010 and dedicated November 14, 2010.

Members of the community and

Photographed By Adam Margolis

2. Northwood Gratitude and Honor Memorial

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Gold Star families championed this project since its inception and contributed countless hours of their time including professional design, engineering and construction services. The collaboration between the City, residents and local businesses resulted in a special, one of a kind, commemoration to honor the memories of the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. This memorial was the first memorial for the Afghanistan and Iraq wars to list all those killed in action by name.

Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: War, 1st Iraq & Desert Storm • War, 2nd Iraq • War, Afghanistan.

Location. 33° 42.615′ N, 117° 46.072′ W. Marker is in Irvine, California, in Orange County. Memorial is at the intersection of Yale Avenue and Yale Ave. / Bryan Ave., on the right when traveling south on Yale Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Irvine CA 92620, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Frances Packing House (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Late 1700s and 1800s The Endurance of a Culture (approx. 1.2 miles away); The Bath House (approx. 1.6 miles away); The Bunkhouse (approx. 1.7 miles away); Living and Working on the Irvine Ranch (approx. 1.7 miles away);

Photographed By Adam Margolis

3. Northwood Gratitude and Honor Memorial

Cogan House (approx. 1.7 miles away); Myford's New Garage (approx. 1.7 miles away); Katie Wheeler Library (approx. 1.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Irvine.

Photographed By Adam Margolis

4. Northwood Gratitude and Honor Memorial

Credits. This page was last revised on April 28, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 7, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 86 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 7, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.