Eternal Flame
As part of the Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center project, the City of South San Francisco will construct a new Veterans Memorial. This meaningful tribute will honor local Veterans and feature the restoration of the Eternal Flame sculpture and recognition plaques. The Veteran’s Memorial will be installed as part of Phase 2 of the Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center project in late 2026.
Background:
In 1967, a contest was held under the supervision of the city employee and WWII veteran, Roy Ghilardi. Working along with Roy was Mayor Patrick Ahern, and Anthony Valencia, Post 4105 Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. On November 11, 1969, Mayor Frank Bertucelli dedicated the memorial at City Hall to all veterans of South San Francisco, those serving and those who will serve. Roy Ghilardi represented American Legion Post 355, and Anthony Valencia represented VFW Post 4105. Chuck Thompson was awarded a $50 savings bond for designing the memorial and Colette Agresti received a $25 savings bond for writing the words on the memorial.
The memorial had its home on the City Hall grounds until 1984 when it was relocated to Orange Memorial Park and the tile was restored. On November 14, 1984, another ceremony took place for its dedication.
In 2002, the Cultural Arts Commission completed another restoration of the tile.
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Location
Orange Memorial Park entrance at Orange Avenue and Tennis Drive., South San Francisco 94080 View Map