A Banner of Pride: One Family’s Tribute to Service and Community

On his way to dinner in Downtown Bellflower, Philip Rangel pauses with his children and grandchildren along Flower Street. Above them, his banner flutters gently in the sky, a portrait of him in uniform framed by the American flag.

Through the Bellflower Honors Program, residents can pay tribute to local veterans and active-duty service members whose courage and dedication have shaped the community. The commemorative bricks and banners established through this program transform Bellflower's streets into lasting symbols of gratitude and remembrance.

Philip Rangel was drafted into the military in 1958, following the Cold War and the start of the Vietnam era. Stationed along the border of Germany and Czechoslovakia, he served in reconnaissance, helping to monitor and control the border. After his discharge in 1960, he continued to serve in the reserves for two years.

One of nine siblings, Mr. Rangel is now the oldest living member of his family, which has a long history of service. His father and all five of his brothers also served. Carrying that spirit forward, his daughters both work as nurses, and his son is a published author. Today, Mr. Rangel takes great pride in his five grandchildren and the family traditions they share.

A longtime resident, Mr. Rangel has called Bellflower home for more than 60 years. He raised his two daughters here and continues to enjoy the Parks and Recreation programming and community events that bring neighbors together. His connection to the Bellflower Honors Program began through a longtime friend, Juan Garza, who later served as mayor. During the planning of the Veterans Memorial, located at 9918 Flower St., Garza thought of Mr. Rangel as a key local veteran whose service and community presence deserved recognition.

"This has been a great blessing and sense of pride to have my dad in the Bellflower Honors Program," said his daughter, Lena. "It's extremely special to bring visiting family to see his banner, especially the younger generation who don't know the stories of their family members who have since passed. We are very grateful for the Bellflower Honors Program."

Over the years, visiting the Veterans Memorial has become a meaningful family ritual that spans generations. Mr. Rangel often picked up his granddaughter, Maricruz, from school and took her there for lunch, sharing stories of his service and pointing out the banners and bricks that line the park. For him, these moments of connecting memory, family and community represent what the Bellflower Honors Program is all about.

The program provides an opportunity to honor past and present service members with a personalized street pole banner or an inscribed commemorative brick. Community contributions create a lasting tribute to our local veterans, ensuring that their sacrifices are remembered for generations. 79 banners have been installed along Flower Street and Alondra Boulevard, between Woodruff Avenue and Bellflower Boulevard, since the program started in 2021. A total of 192 commemorative bricks have been added permanently to the Veterans Memorial. Together, these displays create a visible reminder of the City's enduring gratitude and pride. Residents can participate in the Bellflower Honors Program through the application on the City's website.

"The Bellflower Honors Program is one of our most cherished community traditions," said Mayor Dunton. "It is a powerful way for our City to come together and honor those who have protected our freedoms."

"It is a great honor to be recognized by the City I've called home for so many years," said Mr. Rangel. "When I see my banner, I feel proud for myself, my family and everyone who's served. Bellflower has a way of bringing people together and I am grateful that our family's story continues to live on."