The History Of Park Semper Fi
Like most things it began with an idea. Honoring those who serve in the United States Marine Corp. A small parcel of bare land, that was to contain the Marine Memorial Monument, grew into a beautiful park overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Wayne Eggleston, founder of the Heritage of San Clemente Foundation, was the driving force behind the Marine Memorial Monument.
How Did The San Clemente Garden Club Become Involved In The Project?
“In June of 2005, soon after being installed as President of the San Clemente Garden Club, I reviewed the New President’s binder and came across a grant that was being offered by the National Garden Clubs, our parent organization — featuring a civic development project honoring those who serve our country. The community of San Clemente was in the process of designing and creating a tribute to the Marine Corp. I contacted Wayne Eggleston, founder of the Heritage of San Clemente Foundation and driving force behind the Marine Memorial Monument. Wayne was thrilled that the garden club was willing to participate in the design, planting and maintenance of the gardens around the monument.”
— Launa Gould, 2005-2007 President - San Clemente Garden Club
On September 7, 2005 the ground breaking ceremony was held with representation from the City Council, U.S. Marines, and the San Clemente Garden Club amongst other contributors to the project.
and so it began — October 20, 2005
Club Members, Marines and Community Volunteers gathered and worked together to take this bare plot of land through the process of designing and planting. Ultimately, a beautiful native garden was created that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
Club Members, Marines and Community Volunteers came together to transform a small plot of dirt into planted garden beds
End of the Day - Garden Beds Formed and Initial Planting Completed
Working Side-By-Side — Few could have imagined that a monument and a few garden beds would eventually become a beautiful park that is a place of recognition, remembrance and reflection and will always be a permanent part of the heritage of San Clemente.
Patriotic Tree Planting and Dedication
October 20, 2005
This video was recently discovered in the garden club archives—although the quality of video has improved since 2005, the emotion behind the video remains as strong now as it was then. Enjoy!
Installation of the Marine Monument in preparation for the dedication ceremony.
Photo © The Heritage of San Clemente Foundation
Dedication Ceremony
The Marine Monument was dedicated on November 12, 2005 at a ceremony organized by The Heritage of San Clemente Foundation to commemorate the 230th birthday of the US Marine Corp.
The collection of photos below has been gathered from club members who were in attendance at the event. Additional photos have been included with permission from The Heritage of San Clemente Foundation.
Photo © The Heritage of San Clemente Foundation
Photo © The Heritage of San Clemente Foundation
Photo © San Clemente Garden Club
Marine Sargeant Robert Elliott poses for the Marine Monument Statue
Photo © The Heritage of San Clemente Foundation
“History of the Marine Monument Garden at Park Semper Fi”
Written By Launa Gould for The Garden Trellis newsletter
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