The R. Hero sculpture at La Paws Park is now adorned with a special ribbon paying homage to the heroes of the terrorist attacks on 9/11.

The ribbon is from the Hero In You Foundation, which has sent the customized ribbon decal to fire stations, museums and libraries that house R. Hero sculptures in honor of the 15th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

“We asked our locations to display the ribbon on the sculpture throughout the month of September to pay tribute to the fallen heroes and their families,” said Nathan Rillo of the foundation.

The 6-foot high, 150-pound purple R. Hero Dalmatian aluminum sculpture has sat at the entrance to La Paws Park since 2014. The sculpture was a donation from Bunni and Rick Benaron as part of The Hero In You Foundation, which honors first responders and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices firefighters, police officers, paramedics and military service personnel make, while inspiring future generations to become heroes.

The City of Mission Viejo is home to one of 20 unique R.Hero sculptures across the country.

Kelly Tokarski

Public Information Specialist

City of Mission Viejo