Downtown Riverside in Riverside County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Riverside Veterans Plaza
Photographed by Volt Craft, June 26, 2026
1. Riverside Veterans Plaza Marker
The Ysmael "Smiley" Villegas statue unveiled in 1995, depicts SSG Villegas in combat and is dedicated to all veterans. The military wall of honor, which memorializes the names of those who died while on active military duty, was unveiled in 1997.
Vibrant red roses symbolize the blood shed by heroes in defense of freedom. Delicate white roses recall the memory of those lost both known and unknown. Golden flowers honor gold star families who grieve the loss of a loved one.
Veterans plaza pays homage to the valor duty and sacrifice shown by the local heroes honored here.
Erected 1997 by City of Riverside.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Civil Rights • Heroes • Military • Peace. A significant historical date for this entry is May 31, 1997.
Location. 33° 58.81′ N, 117° 22.521′ W. Marker is in Riverside, California, in Riverside County. It is in Downtown Riverside. It is on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3900 Main St, Riverside
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles, in the Inland Empire, and in the Peninsular Ranges. It is also in the American Southwest. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, on the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexico’s Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Riverside Military Wall of Honor (here, next to this marker); Staff Sergeant Ysmael R. Villegas (a few steps from this marker); Riverside History Walk (within shouting distance of this marker); Riverside City Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Lerner Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Riverside County Courthouse (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Riverside County Courthouse (about 300 feet away); Former Rouse's Department Store (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Riverside.
Photographed by Volt Craft, June 26, 2026
2. The Ysmael "Smiley" Villegas statue mentioned on the marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2026, by Volt Craft of Riverside, California. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on June 28, 2026, by Volt Craft of Riverside, California. 2. submitted on June 27, 2026, by Volt Craft of Riverside, California. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide shot of this monument showing it in its surroundings • photo of the plaza when the roses are in bloom • Can you help?
