Citrus Heights City Council approves $25,000 for Veterans Memorial project, local theater nonprofit – Citrus Heights Sentinel

A significant step forward was taken on February 11th for two Citrus Heights, California, organizations dedicated to arts and remembrance. The Citrus Heights City Council awarded a total of $25,000 in grant funding, split between the Citrus Heights Veterans Memorial Project and Royal Stage.

Honoring Service: A Vietnam Veterans Memorial Replica

The Citrus Heights Veterans Memorial Project received $20,000 towards the construction of a replica Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. This project aims to create a 95 percent scale version of the iconic Washington, D.C. Memorial within the Veterans section of Calvary Cemetery. The wall will be approximately nine and a half feet tall at its apex and span 470 linear feet, constructed from India black granite.

Did You Know? The proposed wall is designed to be highly visible from eastbound Interstate 80, ensuring a constant public reminder of the 58,318 men and women commemorated on the original memorial.

According to those involved, this undertaking is a collaborative effort between the Citrus Heights Veterans Memorial Project, Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services of the Diocese of Sacramento, and the City of Citrus Heights. Scott Miller, with Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services, reported that over $4 million has already been raised through donations and in-kind services from construction companies. However, the total project cost is estimated to exceed $7 million, leaving a remaining fundraising goal of $3.1 million.

Supporting the Arts: Royal Stage and Community Access

Royal Stage, a visual and performing arts nonprofit, was awarded $5,000. These funds will support their Hearts of Arts program, which focuses on making the arts accessible to a wider audience. The program provides free or deeply discounted opportunities in performing arts for children, teens, and women, including waived fees for dance classes and stage musicals.

Expert Insight: The allocation of these funds demonstrates a commitment from the Citrus Heights City Council to both honoring the past through remembrance and investing in the future through accessible arts education and community engagement.

Royal Stage offers a variety of programs, including theater performances, dance classes, and affordable summer camps. Their theater space, located behind the former Macy’s Men’s at Sunrise Mall, is also available for use by other groups for events ranging from birthday parties to weddings.

The $20,000 for the Veterans Memorial Project was drawn from the History and Arts Grant Program’s total budget. The $5,000 awarded to Royal Stage came from remaining funds in the Nonprofit Community Support Fund, which totaled $17,700 due to an under-appropriation in the previous year. Additional funding from the Nonprofit Community Support Fund remains available through June 30th, subject to City Council approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall replica?

The replica wall will serve as a “constant and public reminder of the service and sacrifice of 58,318 men and women” listed on the original Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

What will the $5,000 grant enable Royal Stage to do?

The grant will support the Hearts of Arts program, allowing Royal Stage to offer free and deeply discounted performing arts opportunities for children, teens, and women.

How much more funding is needed for the Veterans Memorial Project?

An additional $3.1 million in funds still needs to be raised to complete the project, bringing the total estimated cost to over $7 million.

What role do you believe public memorials play in fostering community healing and remembrance?