Shafter rededicates Veterans Park with memorial additions

New flag poles have been installed to represent each branch of the military, and were the centerpiece of a rededication ceremony was Saturday morning at the Shafter Veterans Park.

At the memorial, City councilmembers, residents and Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains were on hand to celebrate this addition to city's newest park.

The park's memorial was originally dedicated at a ribbon cutting ceremony in May 2019. On that day, a plaque was at the location, recognizing each branch the military. On Saturday, the Shafter Honor Guard assisted in presenting flags from each branch, and the flag was then raised, displaying the different branches. They even added the newest section of the United States military, the Space Force. Many veterans from the community attended the event, and the city of Shafter says they plan to keep adding military memorabilia to the park.

"This is a place where fathers, grandfathers and brothers can bring their children, grandchildren and other family members, and tell them of what heroes are, and regale them with their experiences of serving their country," Public Works Director Michael James said.