Memorial Day 2020

October 1, 2020 by M00nbird

MEMORIAL DAY 2020

The Flame of Liberty Memorial, dedicated June 15 2019, delivers honor and gratitude to those who served America this day – Memorial Day, 2020, and every day.

(Wreath and Photo Credit: Foundation Board Member Rob Stevens)

The Soldiers Cross which sits internal to the Flame of Liberty, is a symbolic representation of the life of one whose service was his or her last act of devotion. The Soldier’s Cross serves as a symbol and stands as a visible memory of a fallen soldier. The contemporary Soldier’s Cross consists of the rifle which is key to a service member’s survival. The bayonet is thrust into the ground signifying that the one who died perished in battle and paid the ultimate sacrifice. It also conveys that the fight is over for this service member. The boots carry a service member through combat and are the most important means of transportation. The boots, worn and dirty, are placed at the base of the rifle and represent this soldier’s final march. Dog tags have imprinted upon them the identifying information unique to each service member and are worn by all who serve irrespective of rank. The dog tags hang from the rifle in the Soldier’s Cross symbolizing that this individual should never be forgotten. The helmet, never to be worn again, is placed on the butt of the rifle indicative of the great sacrifice that has occurred.

(Wreath and Photo Credit: Foundation Board Member Rob Stevens)

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 76^th 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)

Wreath Dedication at the Flame of Liberty Memorial Site. Notable members of the community pay tribute to those whose sacrifice to America were their last acts of devotion.

Honoring those who served include (Left to Right):

– Foundation President Major General Kent Hillhouse US-Army (Ret.)

– Santa Clara County Supervisor Mike Wasserman

– Santa Clara County Supervisor Dave Cortese

– Foundation Founder Command Sargent Major Mike Frangadakis

– American Legion Post 99 Commander and VP Campbell Veterans Foundation Larry Maggio

(Photo Credit: American Patriot and Supporter Sharon Mendelson)

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)