The Northwood Gratitude and Honor Memorial, dedicated in 2010, is the first permanent memorial to honor every American fallen service member in Afghanistan and Iraq for their sacrifice in service to our country. It began as simple, but heartfelt, commemorations such as posters and photos placed around Northwood Community Park by Irvine residents. As the military operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom Afghanistan and New Dawn continued, so did the size of gatherings and the number of posters. The Irvine community came together for many years each Memorial Day, Independence Day, 9/11, and Veterans Day to honor our country’s sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers who were lost in defense of our freedom. 

The passionate dedication demonstrated by the community to commemorate our country's fallen inspired the City Council to create a permanent Memorial before the conclusion of military operations in the Middle East. In 2009, the Irvine City Council committed public resources to design and construct a permanent memorial on the park site: a plaza housing five pedestals with the names of all who have fallen inscribed in granite.  

The permanent Northwood Gratitude and Honor Memorial was dedicated in a ceremony on November 14, 2010. Since its creation, 7,064 names have been inscribed on the Memorial. By honoring all who have perished in service to our country, it is significant not only to the City, but to the great state of California and the nation.

The Northwood Gratitude and Honor Memorial is located at Northwood Community Park, 4531 Bryan Ave., at the corner of Yale and Bryan avenues.

For more information, please visit northwoodmemorial.com.