MEMORIAL DAY 2020
The following is an excerpt of Memorial Day 2020 remarks made by Foundation President Major General Kent Hillhouse US-Army (Ret) at the Los Gatos Memorial Park Celebration. The “Join Our Community As We Honor Those Who Have Passed Before Us” in remembrance of those who’ve served program was a virtually managed program live streamed to viewers in light of COVID-19. It is visible via video replays at:
https://www.losgatosmemorialpark.com/memorial-day-livestream
“This is a day of remembrance across the country. At 3 o’clock, 1500 hours today, we ask that you share a moment of silence today in remembrance of those who served.
Today we pause to honor the more than one million Americans who have given their last full measure of devotion to our country. These were men and women who embroiled what was important – the values and traditions of our country. They were people who understand that our country is worth fighting for.
This year marks the 76th anniversary of D-Day. We are particularly mindful of the more than 4000 Americans who died on the beaches of Normandy on 6 June 1944. They were among the 400,000 fallen in WWII. Since then, we have lost more than 100,000 other brave Americans.
These statistics are compelling and begin to capture the enormity of sacrifices.
These statistics represent the losses of sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, and good friends.
These statistics represent the children growing up without mothers and fathers.
These statistics represent lives shattered, hopes and dreams never realized.
Today we are also mindful of the men and women who continue to serve our nation. We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
On behalf of the Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation and all veterans and their families, thank you for remembering. Also remember that nothing is wrong with combining fun with remembrances. So today, enjoy yourselves at the beach or wherever you are. Stay safe and remember that COVID-19 is still lurking around the corner.
Thank you very much.”
Major General Kent Hillhouse US-Army (Ret.)
Foundation President
Remarks at the Los Gatos Memorial Park Celebration
Memorial Day, 2020
Additional Celebrants at the Los Gatos Memorial Park remembrance service included:
– Nicholas Weizenbach, Managing Partner of Darling Fischer and Los Gatos Memorial Park
– Rev. Jim Clarke-Moore who will deliver the Invocation
– Larry Maggio, American Legion Commander Post 99
– National Anthem Tribute by Angela Tirado
– Santa Clara County Supervisor Dave Cortese
– City of Campbell Mayor Susan Landry
– Santa Clara County Supervisor Susan Ellenberg
– Santa Clara County Supervisor Mike Wasserman
– And Our Own Foundation President, Major General Kent Hillhouse, US Army (Retired)
Members of the Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation remember those who served. (Left to Right)
– Foundation Committee Member and Army Veteran Jack Hardin
– Advisory Board Member, Former Captain of Police – Los Gatos, and Air Force Veteran Duino Giordano
– Foundation President Major General Kent Hillhouse US Army (Ret.)
– Foundation Board Member Diane Chandler
– Foundation Secretary Stan Weitzman
– Foundation Board Member Rob Stevens
– Foundation Founder and California Guard Command Sargent Major Mike Frangadakis
– Board Advisor, Chairman Emeritus Campbell Veterans Foundation, and Navy Veteran James Free
(Photo Credit: American Patriot and Supporter Sharon Mendelson)
OUR MEMORIAL DEDICATION AIRED LIVE ON CHANNEL 15 ON JULY 4th!
Watch the celebration that was seven years in the making, direct from your living room!
Special thanks to KCAT for their assistance in pulling this together for us!
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Watch the celebration that was seven years in the making, direct from your living room!
Special thanks to KCAT for their assistance in pulling this together for us!
A small committee of Veterans and patriotic volunteers gave birth to the Foundation known as the Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation of Los Gatos. The Foundation intends to erect and manage in perpetuity, a memorial in downtown Los Gatos, one that celebrates freedom and gives tribute to service members and Veterans of the United States military.
The memorial is intended to recognize the courage and loyalty demonstrated by the brave men and women who have fought in conflicts, cataclysmic war and in so many ways, defend the freedom that defines America.
A small committee of Veterans and patriotic volunteers gave birth to the Foundation known as the Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation of Los Gatos. The Foundation intends to erect and manage in perpetuity, a memorial in downtown Los Gatos, one that celebrates freedom and gives tribute to service members and Veterans of the United States military.
The memorial is intended to recognize the courage and loyalty demonstrated by the brave men and women who have fought in conflicts, cataclysmic war and in so many ways, defend the freedom that defines America.
A Memorial creates an actual place where veterans, all who serve their country and families of all races, creeds, social status and opinion can find a place that creates a healing environment to reflect and value one of our greatest gifts--to live in a free society.
"Going clear back to the Civil War, all of our Veterans have raised their right hand and swore to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. And along with that we wrote a check to the U.S. Government and the American People for an amount up to and including our lives. Unfortunately, far too many have given their all in that regard."
"It is important to have a war memorial because it must not be forgotten that many people gave their lives so that we Americans might have what we have today."
Our freedom to live and work in a community as great as ours is a result of the sacrifices borne by those who serve, and in some cases, veterans who have given us their all for our country. The Flame of Liberty Memorial delivers honor and gratitude to our Veterans. More importantly, it shouts "Welcome Home!"
"The reason I have donated time and energy to this worthwhile cause is because Veterans and active Military provide for the peace and freedom of our country, which is fundamental to the American way of life."
"Seven years ago when we launched this initiative, we wanted to build a memorial that delivered honor, respect, and gratitude. What we didn't know, and learned along this journey, is how powerful memorials can be as a catalyst towards healing."
"They gave all of their tomorrows so the rest of us could live in freedom"
"The best way to remember those who gave so much is to honor their service."
"Being involved with the veterans foundation has helped me forge a unique alliance with our community to show our support and appreciation for those who served."
“I’ve had a blessed life because of my freedom. I can’t imagine what it would be like to be without freedom. And for that alone, I know whom to thank and for whom to pray.”
"As a veteran, it is comforting to come home from a war knowing that the community supports your service."
“Recognizing those who sacrificed so much for our freedom is necessary to preserve the ideals of America.”