RETURNING HOME
The Monument is Dedicated. The Legacy Continues
A lasting tribute to services, sacrifice, and family. An opportunity for YOU to become part of its story.
On October 28, 2026, the City of Dana Point and the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group proudly dedicated Returning Home, a magnificent bronze monument honoring the courage and sacrifice of our military heroes and the families who stand beside them.
After more than five years of planning, fundraising, and community collaboration, this extraordinary vision became a reality.
But the story of Returning Home is far from finished.
The monument now stands as a permanent symbol of gratitude, remembrance, and the joy of coming home. And surrounding this beautiful tribute, there is still room for more stories to be told, more heroes to be honored, and more families to be remembered.
We invite you to become part of its continuing legacy.
Leave Your Mark on History
The Returning Home Wall of Honor and commemorative pavers offer a meaningful opportunity to recognize someone special while becoming a permanent part of this community treasure.
Whether honoring a Marine, a veteran from any branch of the Armed Forces, a loved one, or a military family, your personalized tribute will become part of a place where future generations can reflect on the true meaning of service and sacrifice.
Imagine your children, grandchildren, and generations yet to come visiting Returning Home and discovering a name, a memory, or a message that connects them to our nation’s history.
Ways to Be Part of the Legacy
Every tribute tells a story. Every contribution helps preserve it.
Why Become Part of Returning Home?
Because freedom isn’t free.
Because behind every uniform is a family that waits, worries, sacrifices, and celebrates.
Because the courage of those who serve deserves to be remembered long after the ceremonies have ended.
And because gratitude should never have an expiration date.
Returning Home honors every branch of our Armed Forces and the families whose sacrifices are so often unseen.
Your contribution helps ensure that this special place continues to educate, inspire, and remind future generations of the extraordinary price of freedom.
Your Generosity Continues to Make a Difference
The dedication of Returning Home was a milestone, not the end of our mission.
Contributions beyond the cost of the monument will directly support the Marines, Sailors, and families of the 5th Marine Regiment, unless otherwise specified in writing by the donor.
That means your generosity can create two lasting gifts: a permanent tribute at Returning Home and meaningful assistance to the military families our organization proudly serves.
Be Part of Something That Will Last for Generations
Whether you choose an engraved paver, a bronze plaque, a commemorative bench, or a contribution of any amount, your participation matters.
The monument is complete. The Wall of Honor and commemorative pavers still have room to grow. And the legacy belongs to all of us.
Honor a hero. Celebrate a family. Preserve a legacy.
Returning Home Monument Dedication
Featured in OC Register
By Erika I. Ritchie | eritchie@scng.com
PUBLISHED: October 29, 2026 at 6:07 AM PDT | UPDATED: October 29, 2026 at 11:35 AM PDT
Sutton Betti, a Marine’s son and bronze sculptor, has devoted his artistry to creating monuments that honor and reflect the sacrifices military families make for those who keep the nation safe.
So when Terry Rifkin, a founding member and past president of the Dana Point Fifth Marine Regiment Support Group, approached him about creating a bronze sculpture for Dana Point’s Heritage Park reflecting just that sentiment, it was a perfect match for both….
BECOME PART OF THE LEGACY
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
For information about sponsorships, personalized inscriptions, or availability, please contact:
Terry Rifkin, Past President – pastpresident@danapoint5thmarines.com – 949.412.3475
Visit Returning Home at Heritage Park on Old Golden Lantern in Dana Point, just before the Gazebo at Heritage Park
See the sponsorship levels below—each offers unique recognition at the monument site, on our website, in printed materials, and at community events. This is a meaningful way to honor a veteran, loved one, or highlight your business while supporting a legacy of service.
Friend of the Fifth – $500
6” x 12” small paver. Personalized and set into the
center field of the monument site.
With logo/insignia- (maximum 2 lines-18 characters/including spaces per line.)
Without Logo/insignia- (maximum 4 lines-18 characters/including spaces per line.)
EXAMPLE
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Major Level — $750
Large paver
12” x 12” large paver. Personalized and set into the
border of the monument site.
With logo/insignia-(maximum 5 lines-18 characters/including spaces per line.)
Without logo/insignia-(maximum 8 lines-18 characters/including spaces per line.)
EXAMPLE
_________________________________________
Colonel Level — $2,500
10” x 4” horizontal bronze wall plaque. (Maximum
40 characters + company logo or image.)
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General Level — $5,000
8.5” x 11” vertical bronze wall plaque. (Maximum
94 characters + company logo or image.)
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Commandant Level — $10,000
15” x 8” horizontal bronze wall plaque.
(Maximum 120 characters + company logo or image.)
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Commander-in-Chief Level — $25,000
60” × 24” × 18” patriotic commemorative bench fabricated from black granite with a steel-polished finish. Inscription etched into granite; logos may be incorporated.
Your donation isn’t just a gift, it’s a message
of gratitude, of remembrance, and of honor.
Donations of any amount are deeply appreciated. Every dollar brings us closer to honoring the heroes who protect our freedoms and those who love them.
Surpassing our goal means even greater impact. Any funds raised beyond the cost of the Returning Home monument will go directly to supporting the Marines, Sailors, and families of the 5th Marine Regiment unless the donor specifies otherwise in writing.
Make a difference—donate today.
SEMPER FIDELIS!
Contact Information:
Terry Rifkin
e. pastpresident@danapoint5thmarines.com
p. (949) 412-3475
Terry Rifkin has been the primary driving force to bring this meaningful tribute to Dana Point.