VENTURA, Calif. – A partnership between the County of Ventura and Naval Base Ventura County has led to the successful relocation and installation of the Military Order of the Purple Heart monument to the Veterans Memorial at the Ventura County Government Center, creating a prominent public space to honor service members wounded or killed in combat.
The monument, originally located on the golf course at Naval Base Ventura County, recognizes Purple Heart recipients, however the location of the installation provided limited visibility to the broader community. To expand public access, the Military Order of the Purple Heart offered to donate the monument to the County so it could be relocated to a more accessible location.
The Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved the relocation in September 2025 following a proposal championed by 1st District Supervisor Matt LaVere. County staff then worked with Naval Base Ventura County personnel, local contractors, and veterans’ supporters to plan the relocation and prepare the Veterans Memorial site for the installation at the Ventura County Government Center.
“This project reflects the strong partnership between the County of Ventura and Naval Base Ventura County, as well as our shared commitment to honoring the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans,” said County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson. “By relocating the monument to the Government Center, we’ve created a place where residents and visitors can pause, reflect and recognize the courage of Purple Heart recipients.”
Now located near the Government Center’s Veterans Memorial, the monument provides a central location where residents, county employees, and visitors can honor Purple Heart recipients. The site will also serve as a focal point for community observances such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
“It’s an honor for the County of Ventura to provide a more visible and accessible home for this important monument,” said District 1 Supervisor Matt LaVere. “Through collaboration with Naval Base Ventura County and the Military Order of the Purple Heart, we’re ensuring the stories and sacrifices of these service members remain part of our community’s shared history.”
The relocation was made possible entirely through donated services. The monument itself, along with the work required to transport and install it, was generously provided by local contractors and veteran-supporting partners, resulting in no cost to the County. County staff from both the General Services Agency and Supervisor LaVere’s office played a key role in the preparation of the site and logistics.
“Our staff were proud to support the installation of this monument and help prepare a space where the public can pause to recognize the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans,” said Tom Hunt, Director of the General Services Agency. “It’s meaningful to play a role in preserving places that honor those who have given so much.”
The project reflects the County of Ventura’s commitment to honoring veterans while strengthening connections between the military installation and the surrounding community. For visitors who would like to view the installation, the Purple Heart monument is located adjacent to the Veterans Memorial along the pedestrian walking path at the Ventura County Government Center, 800 S. Victoria Ave. in Ventura.
For more information about County of Ventura programs and services, visit venturacounty.gov.
