James W. Lunsford The Ocean and the Sunset, The Hills and the Clouds: Looking at Santa Monica, illustrated by Alice N. Lunsford, 1983, 1951,
"4. Memorial Rose Garden. Dedicated by the Gold Star Mothers of Santa Monica on November 11, 1951, to Santa Monica men and women who gave their lives in the service of their country. Oddly, although the bougainvillea is the official flower of Santa Monica, no bougainvilleas are planted at City Hall or, apparently, at any other municipal sites."