Ward 5 Council Member Richard Fimbres and the City of Tucson hosted the unveiling of the World War II Memorial downtown at Armory Park, 221 S. Sixth Avenue. This memorial was designed by artists Lauri Slenning and Rebecca Thompson. It honors and recognizes Tucson veterans who served and gave their lives for their country.

This project was spearheaded in 2005 by the now deceased Tucsonans Connie Lujan Harris and her husband Gilbert Quintanilla, a World War II veteran and family members.

Funding came from former Ward 5 Council member Steve Leal's Back to Basics Budget of $100,000; Governor Janet Napolitano and the Arizona Legislature, earmarked a matching $100,000 from the State of Arizona Budget, done through legislation sponsored by former Representative Phil Lopes and others, and $19,570 from donations raised by Mr. Quintanilla and community organizations.

More than 25 Veterans organizations supported this project, including former Governor Janet Napolitano, the Arizona State Legislature, the Pima County Board of Supervisors, and the City of Tucson Mayor and Council.