The City of Downey is committed to honoring the service of the brave men and women of our armed forces and offers a variety of services and programs to our veteran community, including:

Resources

• Downey Veterans Council:  The Downey Veterans Council was approved by the Downey City Council on March 9, 2021, and is aimed at engaging the local veteran community via networking opportunities and resource sharing.
• Pets for Troops: In partnership with the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA), pet adoption fees are waived for veterans and active-duty military residing in Downey. Please contact SEAACA for more information.
• PAYs Partner: The Partnership for your Success (PAYs) Program is a partnership between U.S. Army and companies and public sector agencies. PAYs partners guarantee servicemembers an interview and possible employment after the Army.
• Veterans Commons Project (Coming Soon): Led by Los Angeles County, a 100-unit affordable housing project for veterans and their families. 

Recognition Programs

• Veterans Parking: Reserved parking space solely for veterans at the Civic Center and amended parking ordinances to specifically exempt from hourly parking restrictions, vehicles with specialized veterans' license plates.
• Military Banner Program:  Banners honoring Downey residents or family members of a Downey resident who are current active service members are posted on Firestone Boulevard. Upon the end of service, the banners are returned to the honoree. For more information, click here. 
• Veterans Memorial Program: A memorial outside of City Hall dedicated to the men and women who have served faithfully to preserve the freedoms of the American people.  Those interested in having a veteran's name engraved can visit the program webpage. 
• City Events: Each year, the City hosts a Veterans Day Event on Veterans' Day and a Memorial Day Event on Memorial Day. To find more information about these events, please visit the Parks and Recreation Department. 
• Wreaths Across America: The City participates in this annual program along with 4,600 locations nationwide. Volunteers place a wreath at the base of a veteran’s headstone or columbarium niche at the Downey Cemetery to honor their legacy and remember their sacrifice. To learn more contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (562) 904-7238 .

Other City programs in support of Downey Veterans 

• Vietnam Veterans Memorial: In the walkway between the Downey City Library and Downey City Hall is a bronze sundial mounted on a pedestal, which bears the names of 23 Downey residents who fought and lost their lives in Vietnam.
• Purple Heart City Recognition: The City of Downey proclaimed itself a Purple Heart City in July 2023, reflecting its commitment to honoring Purple Heart recipients, the oldest military decoration in use. As part of the Purple Heart City recognition, the City of Downey was added to the Purple Heart City Trail System. The purpose of the Purple Heart Trail is to create a symbolic and honorary system of roads, highways, bridges, and other monuments that give tribute to the men and women who have been awarded the Purple Heart medal. 

For a detailed overview of our current programs, please view our "Honoring Our Veterans" brochure. 

For more information, please call the City Manager's Office at (562) 904-7284.