Attendees stand on the Veysey Trail along the outlet channel at Prado Dam in Corona, Calif., Oct.3. Artist renditions of planned trail construction line the fence.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, along with representatives from local and state governments, conducted the ceremony at the base of the dam, where dignitaries spoke on the life of Veysey.  Veysey was a strong proponent of local participation in determining and constructing the Corps' water resources projects, and he played a defining role in how the Corps serves the nation, according to Ken Morris, deputy chief of programs and project management for the Los Angeles District.

"It is a daily reminder to thousands of people that drive by it (Prado Dam) every day that engineers do cool things," said Col. Thomas Magness, district commander.  "And that the Army Corps of Engineers, led by Mr. Veysey as its first assistant secretary ... provides lasting value to the people that they serve."

A coast live oak tree stands alongside the Veysey Trail, in memorium of Corps employee, Girish Desai. Desai was the project manager of the Santa Ana River Mainstem project. (US Army Corps of Engineers photo by Danny Kelly)

Attendees included current Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) John P. Woodley, three former assistant secretaries, Veysey family members and Los Angeles District employees.