Private Joe Gandara Day

On Memorial Day Councilmember Robert T. Holbrook declared June 9th as "Private Joe Gandara Day in Santa Monica" in honor of his sacrifice during WWII. In March, the Santa Monica native was one of 24 Veterans finally awarded the Medal of Honor in a special ceremony after a review of Hispanic American veterans that had been allegedly denied because of prejudice. His niece Miriam Adams received it on his behalf. She invited her relatives to celebrate Joe Gandara Day at the Woodlawn Cemetery, Mausoleum & Mortuary - a sunset ceremony planned by Frank Juarez of the Pico Youth Family Center. Adams quoted George RR Martin in Game of Thrones: "Never forget what you are for surely the world will not make it your strength not your weakness. armor yourself in it.. . . It's never too late to do the right thing! Joe Gandara is our example, as we honor him on Joe Gandara day in Santa Monica."