Monument and Vigil

OUR MEMORIAL MONUMENT

In 1988, members of the Orange County Chapter of Parents Of Murdered Children (POMC) set out to create a special place to honor and remember our Loved Ones lost to violent crimes. After extraordinary efforts by dedicated members, and assistance from Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD), it took four years to create the permanent monument to our loved ones. This monument is the first of its kind to be built on the west coast.

In 1992,the permanent monument was unveiled and dedicated. Money for the monument was raised through grass roots efforts: candy sales, car shows, bake sales, garage sales, and private donations. No professional fundraiser solicited a dime for this memorial. it was a work of LOVE by families wanting to heal. In 2005, the care of the monument was given to the new Greater Orange County Chapter of POMC.

The five foot tall by three foot wide

white marble monument bears the inscription:

Dedicated to Those Who Lost

Their Lives In Violent Crimes

Above the inscription is a recessed oval panel with a carved pink marble "eternal" flame. A partially opened rosebud is carved into the area below. On the ground level, adjacent to either side of the monument, are black granite markers bearing the names of the victims- our Loved Ones- our daughters and sons, sisters and brothers, mothers and fathers, nieces and nephews, family and friends.

Two white marble benches are located in this beautiful setting. The Memorial Monument area is landscaped with roses, shrubs and flowerbeds. This peaceful scene invites you to sit, relax and fondly remember.

How can I have my loved one's name inscribed on this monument?

We accept monument inscription forms all year round. So if you'd like to add your loved one's name to our beautiful monument at our spring ceremony, you can click the link above, call (714) 999-7132 and leave a message to have a form mailed to you, or email gocpomc@yahoo.com to receive one by email.

GREATER ORANGE COUNTY (California) CHAPTER OF

PARENTS OF MURDERED CHILDREN (POMC)

For the families and friends of those

who have died by violence

Annual Candlelight Vigil

& Names Dedication Ceremony

The memorial ceremony includes a bagpiper,

vocalist, dove release, and the opportunity

for all guests in attendance to say

their loved ones' names out loud.

Please bring a framed photograph

of your loved one for display

on our photo board.

(maximum frame size 9x12)

Ceremony is held outside,

please dress accordingly.

Photographs will be taken.

Please arrive early.

In respect to all those in attendance and

the reverent nature of this event, anyone

arriving after 6:00 pm will be directed to

park across the street at the industrial

lot, then walk to Memory Garden.

Light refreshments will be served following the ceremony.

For more information call

714-999-7132

or go to

www.gocpomc.org

Greater Orange County POMC

Each year during Victim's Rights Week in April, victims of homicide are honored and remembered with a very special ceremony. The names of those who have been added to the Memorial Monument that year are dedicated during a candlelight vigil in their honor. The names of all those previously inscribed are mentioned prior to the ceremony.

The candlelight ceremony honors our Loved Ones as well as all victims of homicide. The event includes speakers, live music, information booths, and a display of memory quilts and loved one's photos.

If you would like to receive an annual reminder of the ceremony, please leave a message on the Greater Orange County POMC message phone at: 714-999-7132

The Memorial Monument is located at:

Memory Garden Memorial

Park and Mortuary

455 W. Central Avenue

Brea, CA 92821

714-529-3961

Directions to Monument:

From the 57 Freeway:

57 FWY (Orange Freeway)-

Exit Lambert Road,- West

Right on State College Blvd.- (after Brea Blvd, State College Blvd becomes Central Ave.)

Continue on Central Avenue- Memory Garden Memorial Park is on the right (between Tamarack Avenue and Berry Street)

As you enter the park, the Memorial Monument is on the median directly in front of the chapel and administratioin Building. Our monument shares the space with U.S. and POW/MIA flags

We are extremely appreciative to Memory Garden Memorial Park for donating the site of our monument and for maintaining the lighting, landscaping, and monument itself in perpetuity.