City unveils new veteran memorial

Veterans were honored with a memorial that will last throughout the years.

The city of El Centro unveiled a memorial dedicated to veterans at Bucklin Park on Friday.

Service men and women, residents, city, county and state officials all gathered to honor and thank local veterans for their service. The ceremony unveiled the completion of what was an eight-month project.

Monument has flags of each military branch, as well as a mural with the words “Freedom is not free”. Mayor Jason Jackson says this is a project he envisioned since he first ran for office and is happy to see it completed. Veterans say the city did a good job.

“The proudest day of my life as far as being the Mayor of El Centro and public service to our city,” said Jackson.

“I’m really, really proud of the city of El Centro and all the officials,” said Nicanor Benavidez, who is a Navy veteran.

“It sure is pretty, it sure is pretty, well done by the city,” said Frank Bonnie, who is also a Navy veteran.

Jackson says this project is a great example of the type of project “Measure P” will fund.