Well, I have a few more from the downtown area to post. I am really fascinated that there are not any statues of any of the presidents of the country downtown. There Ghandi, MLK, and Ahn Chang-Ho. At least there is this tribute to a hero. He was killed as he repeatedly attacked enemy positions in the Philippines, drawing fire away from and saving his squad. Sergeant Villegas died on March 20th, 1945 one day before his 21st birthday. He was the first person from Riverside to receive the Medal of Honor. He was awarded the Medal of Honor on October 19th, 1945. It is so great that this real hero has a statue that commemorates his bravery.
I am not saying that the others were not brave, in fact, far from it, they were all very brave men, but where is the tribute that makes us proud to be from Riverside, or California, or even the USA? MLK surly reflects that. I just find it an interesting evolution of the newer side of the country. Many times when they were putting up those statues and memorials, California was not yet a state. There were no great battles fought here to establish or preserve the country. No president was born or died here. A few were married here, but I don't know that a marriage could be merit for a statue.
I know some of the local history, but it is not a well taught subject in the schools here beyond the citrus industry. I will do some more research and get back to you on that.
Thanks for looking.
EXIF Data,
Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125) Aperture: f/5.6 Focal Length: 45 mm ISO Speed: 400 Exposure Bias: 0 EV Flash: Flash fired, auto mode, red-eye reduction
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