The keepers of a controversial memorial cross honoring soldiers lost in World War I were lauded by San Bernardino County supervisors, even as plans advance for returning the Mojave Cross to its remote home.

Henry and Wanda Sandoz have cared for the cross, which sat for years atop a rocky Mojave Desert hill off Cima Road south of Interstate 15, since the mid-1980s. Supervisors honored the couple on Tuesday, Aug. 21, at the board’s weekly meeting.

“They really represent what’s special about people who choose to live in this county and this desert,” Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt said.

via SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY: Keepers of Mojave Cross honored | Breaking News | PE.com – Press-Enterprise.