A B O U T



Most of us have connections to veterans, past and present.
Many of us are veterans. Some were called to duty, while others
volunteered. But whether in battle or behind a desk, all experienced
what most Americans never have and never will, and they served us all.
Then, when their service ended, they became veterans. Now we are asking
you to help us show them our thanks by building this beautiful monument!

the monument

So much thought and discussion has gone into the idea of how the monument should both look and feel. Strong, eternal, peaceful, contemplative, circular, with a seating area, symmetrical, grand and uniquely beautiful in keeping with the surroundings. Six massive 5 ton natural basalt columns 10 ft tall, all connected by granite pediment will define the structure. Interior pebble and decorative cobble floor motif will encircle an incredible 7 ton granite base topped by a beautiful honey calcite flame, carved to simulate an eternal flame in honor of our veterans past, present and future. An outer ring of random paving of mica schist flagstone will define the foot print on the landscape in circular stone. All designed to be grand in scale but soft against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.

our vision

We recognize and honor all members of the Uniformed Services past, present and future. We will formalize this recognition by creating a heritage stonework monument on a site of unsurpassed natural beauty. It will be visible, public, have easy access and provide a place that offers tranquility, solace, contemplation and sanctuary for veterans, their families and all who support them. We will provide a means of recognizing individual service members by name with their home state, and branch and dates of service. The Northern California Coastal Veterans Monument will stand sentinel on the grounds of the historic Point Arena Lighthouse, the western-most point of the Continental United States, as an enduring symbol of our gratitude and respect.

HISTORY

Several years ago, a group of prominent local citizens and veterans met to discuss the possibility of building a Veterans Monument on the Northern California coast. Noting that there is at present no site along our coastline recognizing the service provided this nation by our veterans, we accepted the challenge of bringing one to be. Turning to the resources of the local community, including a cadre of internationally recognized stone masons, we selected a monument design echoing the solemn stately grandeur of Stonehenge. Arriving at the proper site for such a monument proved challenging, and a number of possibilities were entertained and discarded before the optimal location was revealed. The Point Arena Lighthouse and surrounds, once the responsibility of the U.S. Coast Guard, adjacent to the Point Arena-Stornetta Unit of the California Coastal National Monument, would be the perfect spot. Recognizing how the presence of a Veterans Monument would bolster the mission of the Point Arena Lighthouse Keepers, the PALKI Board, after carefully reviewing survey and architectural drawings, and hammering out a legal framework, agreed to site the monument on the Lighthouse grounds. For more detail on project history, click here. CLICK OR TAP HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE PROJECT