The Hometown Hero Spotlight Award recognizes La Mirada veterans who, in addition to having served their country, continue to make a difference by giving back to their community through volunteer or charitable service. Nominations for the Hometown Hero Spotlight Award are now being accepted through Monday, October 14.  Selected nominees will be honored during the 2024 Salute to Veterans Celebration at Neff Park on Saturday, November 9.

Nomination forms are available at the link below and at the La Mirada Resource Center.  For more information, call (562) 943-7277.

Click here to download the Hometown Hero Spotlight nomination form.

The City of La Mirada’s Military Banner program recognizes La Mirada residents, or their immediate family members, who are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, or National Guard. To be eligible for the program, the service person or their immediate family member must be a La Mirada resident and the service-person must be on active duty. A service-person’s immediate family member or legal guardian may, on behalf of the service-person, submit an application for participation in the program. In the event the number of qualified applications exceeds the available space for the program, applicants will be placed on a wait list. Active duty status will be verified annually and the timing of banner installation and removal will be at the City’s discretion.

To participate in the program, please provide the completed application and proof of residency (Copy of driver’s license or current utility bill).

Click here to download the Military Banner Recognition Program application.

City of La Mirada Honors Family Members Serving in the Armed Forces

The City of La Mirada is seeking photographs and information from residents with immediate family members serving in the Armed Forces for Blue Star posters. Listed below are the names of the troops to view.

The Blue Star Service Banner was designed and patented in 1917 by World War I Army Capt. Robert L. Queissner of the 5th Ohio Infantry who had two sons serving on the front lines. It quickly became the unofficial symbol of a child in the service.

On Sept. 24, 1917, an Ohio congressman read the following into the Congressional Record: "...The mayor of Cleveland, the Chamber of Commerce and the governor of Ohio have adopted this service flag. The world should know of those who give so much for liberty. The dearest thing in all the world to a father and mother - their children."

 

Today, Blue Star Service Banners are displayed by families who have a loved one serving in the armed forces, including activated members of the National Guard and Reserves, whether the family member is a son, daughter, brother, sister, wife, husband, cousin, grandchild, etc. The banner displayed in the front window of the home, shows a family's pride in their loved one serving in the military, and reminds others that preserving America's freedom demands much.

The Blue Star stands for hope and pride for the troops. A Yellow Star stands for wounds sustained overseas, and a Gold Star stands for sacrifice of life. By placing these stars in the windows of homes and vehicles, the community can recognize and support the troops serving our country.
Residents of La Mirada with an immediate family member serving in the Armed Forces can fill out an application for the Blue Star program. Upon completion of the application, the Blue Star poster will be mailed to your residence, picked up at City Hall or presented at a City Council meeting.

For more information and to fill out an application, contact City Hall at (562) 943-0131. An application form is also available here: Blue Star Program Application.

La Mirada's Veterans Resource Center is located at the La Mirada Activity Center.