The re-dedication ceremony for the Fort Moore Pioneer Memorial took place in downtown Los Angeles on July 3, 2019—the 51st anniversary of the original dedication. The ceremony featured a program of speakers, including Arts Commission president Helen Hernandez, LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis, Assistant Chief Executive Officer for the County Fesia Davenport, Department of Public Works Director Mark Pestrella, Arts and Culture Director Kristin Sakoda, and the Pledge of Allegiance with Girl Scout Troop 4116.
Refurbishment of Fort Moore began in 2014, led by the LA County Department of Public Works, in collaboration with Arts and Culture, the Chief Executive Office, and Internal Services Department. Repairs incorporated sustainable design features to optimize energy and water-use efficiency, and were in accordance with historical preservation standards. In addition to repairing damage to the terra cotta and brick facades, railings, and walkways, 750,000 custom tiles were hand cut for the fountain wall.
The memorial is the latest in a long line of LA County cultural assets, and it is Art and Culture's responsibility to tell stories from many points of view. That is why the re-dedication included community submissions for a 2019 Time Capsule.
From the Re-dedication program:
"Today, we acknowledge the history and legacy of the Fort Moore Pioneer Memorial and reclaim this public space for the benefit of all peoples of Los Angeles County. We celebrate all the individuals who have contributed their time and talents to the restoration of the memorial. We invite the larger Los Angeles community to utilize, respond to, and engage this space."
