Will the City Deliver On Its Promise to Build a Veterans Cemetery in Irvine?

The Irvine City Council has approved plans for a Veterans Memorial Park & Gardens on the site of the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station, where a Veterans Cemetery is also proposed. Mayor Larry Agran, who received unanimous support for the park, aims to include the cemetery due to strong community backing. Over 20,000 signatures were collected in favor of the cemetery, and a 2018 ballot showed 63% of voters opposed a rival development plan. Agran's proposal does not require state approval, but he plans to adhere to California Department of Veterans Affairs guidelines to ensure proper construction. Local veterans and state officials have expressed concerns about the cemetery's progress, prompting some to consider alternative sites.

The upcoming Council vote on May 27 could either advance or hinder the long-awaited project. Agran emphasized the moral imperative to honor the service of veterans, asserting that the community deserves this memorial. If approved, this cemetery would represent a victory for local advocates who have tirelessly campaigned for its establishment.