A Palisades American Legion hall became a beacon after the fire. On 1-year anniversary, tears flowed there

For Cindy Kirven, a Palisades resident since 1982 and president of Palisades Village Green, the aftermath of the Jan. 7 fire that devastated the community unfolded in stages—practical, emotional, deeply human.

But while the stages varied, one place became a staple hub amid the chaos of the early aftermath and the subsequent journey to recovery and rebuilding.

“The American Legion was the first—and for a time, the only—entity to set up shop immediately after the fire,” Kirven said. “It wasn’t just a place to gather. They brought in real resources, right away.

And it’s where on Wednesday, survivors and families of the 12 lives lost in the Palisades fires came together yet again, in an emotional remembrance ceremony.

Key moments at American Legion Post 283 in the Palisades included honoring the more than 10,460 families impacted, varying responders and agencies involved in the cleanup efforts, seniors who built the Palisades in the 1950s–70s—many unable to rebuild— who received meals, guidance, hugs, and dignity.

There were the children who lost homes and schools, who were acknowledged.

And it was also the American Legion hall itself honored for its ability to serve needs of a recovering community – a place where neighbors sat for hours, cried together, held hands, and began again.

As Jim Craig, chair of the Palisades Long-Term Recovery Group and chairman of the board, said: “We didn’t know what this place would become—but it became everything.”

In the earliest days, veterans opened these doors with a simple mission: Use their military experience to serve the community.

One moment captured it all—a mother came in with her children asking to see a wall of past commanders. She pointed to a photograph and told her kids it was the only remaining record of their grandfather. That’s when it became clear: this was no longer just a building—it was history, memory, and survival, many said.

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, who represents the state’s 42nd Assembly District, said the anniversary moment was both emotional and affirming.

“The first thing we have to do today is look at how far this community has come,” Irwin said. “If you drive through the Palisades and see how many people have begun rebuilding their homes, it’s incredibly heartwarming. At the same time, this morning’s ceremony—honoring those who lost loved ones, pets, and homes—brought tears to my eyes. It’s a powerful reminder of both loss and resilience.”

Jimmy Dunne, the Grammy- and Emmy-winning songwriter, arrived without expectations—and left with conviction.

“I didn’t come here expecting anything,” Dunne said. “But what I walked into was a statement—absolutely beautiful. Thousands of people, each in their own way, saying: I believe in the Palisades.”

Through the Abramson Foundation, 12 native trees—live oaks and sycamores —have now been planted in Temescal Canyon, ensuring each loved one is permanently honored in the land they called home.

The event at the American Legion Post was co-hosted by The Palisades Long Term Recovery Group, a community-led coalition formed after the fire to help impacted households.

The Legion has also quietly supported long-term recovery efforts, including grants that will help restore Palisades Village Green so neighbors can gather again.

“That sense of belonging—that’s everything,” Kirven said. “When we sit together in that hall, these aren’t just neighbors anymore. They’re family.”