SUMMERLAND, Calif. — On Thursday, community members, veterans and local leaders gathered at Loon Point to rededicate a restored World War I memorial honoring 68 Santa Barbara soldiers who died in 1917‑1918. The ceremony marked the first public celebration of the tribute since the original oak‑tree grove was displaced by freeway improvements.
History of the memorial
The original memorial was erected in 1928 when 70 oak trees were planted near Loon Point, each bearing the name of a fallen soldier from Santa Barbara County. Over the decades, highway expansion removed the trees, threatening the physical reminder of the community’s sacrifice.
Restoration and new panels
Newly fabricated bronze panels now replace the missing trees, preserving the names and stories of the 68 men who never returned home. The panels were installed earlier this year after a collaborative effort by the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation, local historical societies and city volunteers.
Officials and veterans speak
U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of remembering the sacrifices of past generations. “There were some improvements made to the freeway that displaced some of the oak trees planted in their honor by local groups,” Carbajal said. “Because of that displacement we had to find a way to honor their memory and make sure that wasn’t lost.”
John Blankenship of the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation, who helped organize the event, highlighted the role of veterans in preserving local history. “This memorial is a tangible link between our youth and the brave men who defended our freedoms a hundred years ago,” Blankenship said.
Community response
The gathering featured patriotic music, moments of reflection and remarks from Santa Barbara city officials. Attendees expressed gratitude that the names of the fallen would remain visible, even though the original trees are gone. Many noted that the restored memorial provides an educational opportunity for schools and families to learn about the county’s contribution to the First World War.
“Seeing these names displayed here reminds us that the freedoms we enjoy today were secured by the ultimate sacrifice of our forebears,” said local resident Maria Torres, whose great‑grandfather served in the war.
Looking ahead
City leaders plan to incorporate the memorial into future heritage tours and to develop educational signage for visitors. The restored site is expected to become a focal point for annual remembrance events, ensuring that the legacy of Santa Barbara’s World War I heroes endures for generations to come.
Nearly 100 years after the original dedication, the community’s commitment to honoring its veterans demonstrates the lasting value of preserving local history and the sacrifices that shaped the nation.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
