Enduring Heroes tells two stories—one public, one profoundly personal. Facing the Pasadena Memorial Flagpole, a lone soldier raises the American flag in a gesture of duty and remembrance. The flag’s cut-out stars allow light to stream through, forming a luminous halo—a metaphor for sanctity and sacrifice.

On the reverse side, families find a space for private reflection. Each memorial plaque was created in close collaboration with loved ones of the fallen—engraved with poems, medals, and cherished symbols of who they were beyond the uniform. The open stars link this memorial with its World War I counterpart beyond, connecting generations through shared stories of honor and love.