Ohio's Hispanic Veterans From The Army Navy Air Force Marines Coast Guard Space Force

The Ohio Hispanic Veterans Memorial will be a place to honor all the Ohio Hispanic military veterans who fought and died protecting our nation’s freedoms.

About Us

Dedicated To Honoring Our Hispanic Veterans

The Ohio Hispanic Veterans Board was formed by our loving and respected leader and former Police Chief of the City of Lorain, the late Celestino Rivera. His wife, Elba Armstrong and many other leaders strongly believe that it is our duty and responsibility to continue building on the existing small monument to respectfully honor and remember our Hispanic heroes.

There are several veteran memorials in Ohio and in the Midwest, but none dedicated to Hispanic veterans. The closest Hispanic veterans memorial is in Buffalo, New York. Family members of Hispanic veterans in Lorain and other cities in Ohio do not have a place where they can pay their respects to their fallen heroes.

These families need a quiet setting to visit and remember sacrifices made by their loved ones for their country.

2020 Census Hispanic Data

Hispanics currently comprise the largest minority group in the United States with the 2020 census reporting 62.1 million. As documented in these reports the Hispanic population keeps growing in
overwhelming numbers.

The 2020 census reported a 2.3% growth as compared to 4.3% in the general population. Recently, 100 years of Hispanic occupancy in the City of Lorain was celebrated. In 1921 the first Mexican families arrived followed by the Puerto Ricans in 1947.

Lorain, Ohio is currently home to the largest Hispanic community per capita in the state; 28.5% in the city and 10.5% in the county. The majority of the population is concentrated in what is known as South Lorain. The census continues to show growth of Hispanics in the city and county of Lorain.

Hispanic Americans

40 Million

Growth

0 %

The first Mexican family came to Lorain in 1921
The first Puerto Ricans arrived in 1947
About 10% of the Lorain County's residents are Hispanic
Over 28% of Lorain City's citizens are of Hispanic descent
The majority of the population is concentrated in South Lorain

Hispanic representation in the U.S. military goes back to the Civil War. According to the Department of Defense, Hispanics make up about 16% of all active-duty military. It should be noted that Hispanic soldiers from Lorain City and other cities & counties in Ohio have served and fallen during their active duty, defending their country.

Coming Soon

Inauguration Countdown

Project Timeline

We are well underway, determined and dedicated!

July 2022Project Reinvigorated

New Motivation

Restructuring of the Ohio Hispanic Veterans Board after the sudden passing of our Chair and Leader, Celestino Rivera.

October 2022 – February 2023Planning & Awareness

Building Community Awareness & Project Planning

Continue building awareness in the neighborhoods. Setting up meetings with potential funders and collaborators.

May 2024Let's Build

Construction

Break ground for Phase 1 of the project.

Fall 2024Completion of Phase 1

Milestone

The Inauguration Ceremony of the Ohio Hispanic Veterans Memorial Project Phase 1.

Benefiting Our Community

This project, along with other initiatives and projects throughout the city, and in particular South Lorain, will beautify Oakwood Park and the surrounding community.
It will serve as a blueprint for other groups to follow our example of one who cares about and honors veterans, and in turn spotlight our city.
We are committed to raising funds and allocating them back into the community, whenever possible. This would be accomplished by hiring local contractors.
Local minority contractors stand to benefit from this project as we are committed to giving them a fair opportunity during the bid process.

Learn More

Current Partners

The Board of the Ohio Hispanic Veterans Memorial Project has developed many relationships and collaborations with a great number of organizations and institutions that support the vision of the project.

City of Lorain

Project is supported by the City of Lorain, Mayor Jack Bradley, members of Lorain City Council as well as many of the city’s administrative staff. Rick Soto, Chief of Staff of the City of Lorain and Councilman, Rey Carrion are members of the Ohio Hispanic Veterans Memorial Board.

El Centro de Servicios Sociales, Inc.

El Centro, is a non-profit Social Services agency in Lorain County. It serves as the Fiscal Agent for the project. Victor Leandry, Executive Director, is a member of the Ohio Hispanic Veterans Memorial Board.

Latino Lorain History Project

In 2022, several meetings between the Latino Lorain History Project and the Oho Hispanic Veterans Memorial Board have taken place to develop a plan of action to focus on Hispanic Veterans for 2022 -2023. The Latino Lorain History Project group is comprised of many county organizations including the Lorain Historical Society, Oberlin College, El Centro, LCCC, Lorain Library System, and many others.

Ohio Veterans Memorial Park<br>Clyde, Ohio

Ohio Veterans Memorial Park
Clyde, Ohio

Several site visits and meetings took place with the leadership of the Ohio Veterans Memorial Park including their site visit to Lorain to learn about the project and visit the proposed land for the project. They offered their assistance throughout the process.