A plaza in Memory of the beloved archbishop of El Salvador We will work closely with LAUSD and local schools and universities.
A project of SALEF, the Monsignor Romero Memorial Plaza is a symbol that represents Salvadorians in the United States and the plaza will be a cultural center for Salvadorans and Central Americans in Los Angeles. The goal of Monsignor Romero Memorial Plaza
is to educate future generations and the community in Los Angeles by providing
educational and cultural activities about the
life, teachings,
and legacy of Monsignor Oscar
Arnulfo Romero. SALEF’s mission is to promote the civic participation and representation of the Salvadoran and other Latino communities in the U.S., promote the economic development and democracy in El Salvador, as well as to advocate for its economic, educational, and political advancement and growth
Monsenor Romero una vez dijo...
“ESTOY OBLIGADO, COMO PASTOR, POR ORDEN DE DIOS A DAR MI VIDA POR LOS QUE AMO, Y ESO ES TODO SALVADOREÑO, INCLUSO AQUELLOS QUE VAN A MATARME A MÍ.”
Monsenor Romero once said…..
“I AM BOUND, AS A PASTOR, BY DIVINE COMMAND TO GIVE MY LIFE FOR THOSE WHOM I LOVE, AND THAT IS ALL SALVADORANS, EVEN THOSE WHO ARE GOING TO KILL ME.”
We dedicate this plaza in recognition of Monsignor Oscar Arnulfo Romero’s legacy of love and compassion for the poor. For one day, there will be justice for those who killed him, and over 75,000 individuals. For one day, there will be economic justice for El Salvador and for the poor. For one day, there will be a better future for the thousands of Salvadorans who fled their country. After more than ten years of hard work, we celebrate, some of us crying, many of us remembering those days in the early eighties when we used to come to this corner to hold peaceful vigils demanding an end of the war, an end to the human rights violations, and end to the pain. Thirty-three years after the killing of Monsignor Romero, we are here paying tribute to a great man who gave his life for the poor and who stood up against injustices. This monument represents the dreams of many of us here, many who lost their loved ones themselves. This monument is a legacy of the Salvadoran community in Los Angeles and the nation, and an opportunity for us all to follow his legacy of love and compassion for the poor, compassion to fight against injustices, which he courageously fought and died for. On behalf of SALEF, we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for all of your support, and for making this dream come true. I want to specially thank, former councilmember Ed Reyes, former CRA-LA for providing the funding, Mayor Eric Garcetti, councilmember Gil Cedillo, archbishop Jose Gomez, senator Kevin De Leon, council member Mitch O’Farrell, and the Los Angeles city council for recognizing Monsignor Romero’s legacy, and for giving him a place in our city’s history. We look forward to your continued support as we embark in other major projects and dreams to continue paying tribute to him, such as the future Monsignor Romero blvd., and the future Monsignor Romero youth and community center right here, in front of this beautiful plaza. MONSIGNOR ROMERO ONCE SAID……
“THERE ARE MANY THINGS THAT CAN ONLY BE SEEN THROUGH THE EYES THAT HAVE CRIED.”
Monsenor Romero una vez dijo....
"HAY MUCHAS COSAS QUE SOLO SE PUEDEN VER ATRAVEZ DE LOS OJOS QUE HAN LLORADO"
Thank You/ Gracias. Carlos Vaquerano
Executive Director, SALEF
