Gold Star Memorial Monument

The City of Rancho Cucamonga gathered at Central Park (11200 Base Line Rd.) on January 15, 2026, for the groundbreaking of the Gold Star Memorial Monument, a new community memorial that will honor service members who lost their lives in active military duty and recognize the families who carry their legacy forward. Created by the Woody Williams Foundation, the two-sided black granite monument will feature a silhouette of a saluting service member and will be located near Freedom Courtyard. Developed in collaboration with the Legends Live Forever Foundation, Diversified Pacific Communities, and Architerra Design Group, this memorial will be the first of its kind in San Bernardino County and will join more than 150 similar monuments across the nation. Together, the Gold Star Memorial Monument and Freedom Courtyard will provide a lasting place for reflection, remembrance, and healing within Central Park.

This project was inspired by the life and sacrifice of Lance Corporal Dylan Merola, a Los Osos High School graduate who lost his life on August 26, 2021, while serving in Kabul. In the wake of this tragic loss, the community came together to support the Merola family, who later founded the Legends Live Forever Foundation in Dylan's memory.

The project is anticipated for completion in Spring 2026 and will provide a beautiful space where we can honor our fallen heroes.

Click the link to learn more about the Legends Live Forever Foundation