One year anniversary of the memorial tree planted in memory of Vanessa Guillen.

Palmdale, CA.-The community of the Antelope Valley is cordially invited at Poncitlan Square to celebrate the one year anniversary of the memorial tree planted in memory of Vanessa Guillen.

Event will begin promptly at 12 00 pm

Saturday October 12th

Poncitlan Square

38315 9th St E, Palmdale,

I am Maria Kyupelyan and I have had the absolute privilege and honor to bring awareness to Vanessa Guillen’s story in my hometown of the Antelope Valley. The City of Palmdale and I teamed up to create a monument not only for Vanessa, but for all of those who have suffered sexual assault and harassment at the hands of their superiors. At Poncitlan Square, you will find a Drake Elm tree planted in the shadow of the flagpole and a plaque that serves as a reminder of this ongoing problem, especially in our military. On October 12th, 2024 at Noon, we will be commemorating the fourth anniversary of our tree planting.

Vanessa Guillen would have turned 25 on Monday.

Since the news of Vanessa’s disappearance, I felt compelled to speak and act. Ultimately, the sad and unfortunate news of her death quickly rose to the news and became a worldwide story. After extensive investigation, it was concluded that Vanessa was killed at the hands of another soldier.

The I Am Vanessa Guillen Act passed in 2021 which provides protection of retaliation against service members who report incidents of sexual assault, criminalizes sexual assault under the UCMJ, requires commanders to request independent investigation within 72 hours of formal complaint, and allows survivors to report incidents outside of the military. The hashtags #IAmVanessaGuillen has allowed many service members dealing with the trauma of sexual abuse to share their stories and experiences. September 30th is now recognized as Vanessa Guillen Day; a day to remember her legacy and to continue the work that needs to be done in order to protect those in our military.

Although I never knew Vanessa, her story has impacted me as it has to many young women across the country and world. As a young woman, I aspire every day to reach my dreams and goals.

Unfortunately, Vanessa’s was taken away from her which is why many of us continue this fight in honor of her. October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month which allows us to reflect on the fact that abuse and assault can happen anywhere and to anyone. Many people ask me why do something in the Antelope Valley? The goal is to create awareness in our communities and to remind people that there is help available.