By Robert Haugh
The Mission City will honor Veterans Day with a ceremony at 3 p.m., Saturday, November 11 at the Veterans Memorial at Central Park.
The ceremony, a long-running tradition since the opening of the memorial in 2002 is presented by the Santa Clara Veterans Memorial Committee, American Legion District 13, American Legion Post 419, American Legion Post 564, and VFW Post 3982.
The ceremony includes speeches, playing of TAPS, a performance by the Cupertino Symphonic Band, and more. Editor’s Note: The band will start performing at 2:30 p.m.
The event is usually attended by the Mayor, members of the Santa Clara City Council, Police and Fire Chief and other elected leaders and dignitaries.
Mayor Lisa Gillmor and Councilmember Suds Jain are expected to be there.
Dedicated on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2002, the Santa Clara Veterans Memorial was the brainchild of Mission City residents Jim and Marlys Lee, Jim Ash and Ray Gamma.
Those four presented the idea to the City Council in 2001, developing the design, and raising $260,000 to build it. The Memorial features granite pedestals highlighting each branch of the United States Military forces — Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Merchant Marine and Navy.
One of the memorial’s most unique features is its 5,000 paving bricks.
Glancing at the names stamped in the bricks, you’ll be surprised how long it might take to find just one name. You’ll find everyone from former Santa Clara City leaders, to NFL star Pat Tillman, and a myriad of others.
Generations of great men and women who fought for our freedoms are forever memorialized at the memorial, one of the few that represents all military branches.
Their heartfelt, often unbroadcasted, sometimes surreal memories are forever etched into history at the Santa Clara Veterans Memorial at Central Park.
All:
In view of all things that matter, I retire my moniker ”Jo Warren.” Much divisiveness looms in our community, and I think it best to protect family and friends over those who are destroying Santa Clara. I wish you the best. Good luck and God Bless.
In Honor:
“Joseph Warren, a Founding Father of the United States, was an American physician who was one of the most important figures in the Patriot movement in Boston during the early days of the American Revolution.”
That’s too bad.
I enjoyed your posts.
Very rationale point of view.
Thank you for being a part
of the revolution in SC.
Stay informed.
It will be there to honor and salute our veterans of past and celebrate those currently serving.
Good to see you and Claudia there today, Tom!
Thank you for posting such a wonderful message. The Cupertino Symphonic Band will play at 2:30 pm.
Thank you…
I certainly plan on being there as I have ever since my friends, Jim Lee, Marlys Lee, Jim Ash and I came up with the idea of recreating a Veterans Memorial for our veterans, service members and for our beautiful City of Santa Clara.