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Ever think of what America would be like without their sacrifice Create history Build a legacy
Our Mission The Veterans Memorial Support Foundation has three tenants to its mission They are to Fund in perpetuity support for the needs of active service members veterans and their families Educate the community on the sacrifices borne by those who protect America s freedom Erect a world class memorial in the heart of Silicon Valley that delivers honor respect gratitude and healing to our active military service members veterans first responders and two 9 11 heroes who attempted to take back cockpit control from terrorist hijackers on United Flight 93 In the end we decided to turn our mission upside down and fulfill the third tenant first You see we re not all about bricks and mortar The memorial unto itself will help educate our community It will also serve as the venue for annual events using America s national holidays Memorial Day July 4th and Veterans Day And in the end we plan to deliver support to our heroes and their families who have been by their sides for the journey with our Yellow Ribbon Programs The nature of those programs will change over time in support of the dynamic needs of our veterans Our heroes have delivered greatness to America Now it s our turn to demonstrate greatness in return The design for The Flame of Liberty was selected following two extensive national arts challenges The Flame of Liberty is the thought provoking work of acclaimed artist Frank Kocian Morris Frank Morris work and recognized successes hang in private collections corporate boardrooms and city halls His paintings have been reproduced on covers of magazines such as Newsweek and New Yorker Magazine and his notable commendations speak volumes regarding his talent He has received 1st place awards and citations from Artists Magazine Print Magazine National Competition of Realistic Art Communication Arts Magazine Outstanding American Illustrators of America and the Society of Illustrators He was selected by the U S Treasury to serve as a Master Designer for the U S Mint The inspiration for Mr Morris work is that of a Faberge egg One sees the Soldier s Cross internal to The Flame of Liberty as the viewer approaches the platform The size of the Soldier s Cross is smaller than the flame representing the theme that the sacrifices of a few deliver the liberty enjoyed by many
Honor Respect Gratitude Healing The Flame of Liberty Memorial Flame of Liberty Memorial Artist s Rendering
A Grateful Nation Honors the Courage and Sacrifice of Those Who Served to Preserve our Liberty The WALL OF HONOR will commemorate active service members and veterans who served in the United States military The Wall of Honor will additionally host panels for each of the United States military branches Army Navy Air Force Marines Coast Guard plus the Merchant Marines embellished with bronze branch insignias
Side A A B Side b IN 1899 THE LOS GATOS FIRE BELL WAS CAST IN BRONZE BY W T GARRETT COMPANY IN SAN FRANCISCO WEIGHED 2 500 POUNDS IT WAS ORIGINALLY INSTALLED ATOP A 60 FOOT WOODEN TOWER WHICH IRONICALLY BURNED DOWN IN THE GREAT FIRE OF 1901 IT WAS THEN REINSTALLED ATOP A STEEL TOWER ON LUNDY LANE DEACTIVATED IN 1949 IT WAS REPLACED BY A MODERN FIRE ALARM SYSTEM WITH NINE ALARM BOXES THE BELL WAS UNCEREMONIOUSLY SOLD TO ADVERTISE A CHICKEN RESTAURANT ON HIGHWAY 99 IN LODI IN 1986 ANDY KINYON A RESIDENT IN LOS GATOS DISCOVERED THE FIRE BELL AND DONATED IT BACK TO THE TOWN IT WAS RESTORED BY FORMER MAYOR JOHN LOCHNER AND ARCHITECT JOHN SPAUR AND PLACED ON A 26 FOOT STEEL TOWER IN THE TOWN PLAZA ON JULY 4TH 1987 AT THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF LOS GATOS THE HISTORIC FIRE BELL RANG ONCE AGAIN IT REMAINED IN THE TOWN PLAZA UNTIL 2002 WHEN THE TOWN COUNCIL RELOCATED THE BELL TO THE TAIT AVENUE ART MUSEUM TO CREATE SPACE IN THE PLAZA THE LOS GATOS FIRE BELL HAS NOW BEEN RETURNED TO THE CIVIC CENTER WHERE IT WILL RING TO HONOR THE VETERANS AND FIRST RESPONDERS WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED SO MUCH TO AMERICA S PEACE AND FREEDOM
Extraordinary Acts on Behalf of Ordinary People Todd Beamer 9 11 Memorial Element Mark Bingham On September 11 2001 nineteen Islamic terrorists hijacked four commercial aircraft and used those airplanes as suicide weapons to attack America at sites on the ground They flew two of the airplanes into the World Trade Center Twin Towers in New York City and a third plane into the Pentagon in Washington D C Nearly three thousand innocent lives were lost as a result of terrorist actions Todd Beamer former Los Gatos High School Wildcat basketball player Class of 1987 and Mark Bingham former Los Gatos High School rugby team captain Class of 1988 were aboard the fourth plane United Airlines Flight 93 when four Al Qaeda terrorists hijacked the aircraft Witnesses who spoke to passengers aboard along with evidence from the cockpit voice recorder tell the grim story Beamer Bingham and passengers Thomas Burnett Jr and Jeremy Glick formed a plan to regain cockpit control inside the hijacked Boeing 757 The foursome consisted of individuals who were each very athletic in their own right and had physiques of 6 2 and taller The team stormed the cockpit foiling the hijackers plan to crash the airplane into the Capitol Building The victorious counter attack ended as United Flight 93 crashed into an empty field in Shanksville Pennsylvania killing all 44 people on board 40 passengers and crew and 4 hijackers but no one on the ground Flight 93 was the only hijacked airliner on 9 11 that did not accomplish the planned mission of the terrorists The extraordinary acts of Todd Beamer Mark Bingham and the passengers aboard United Flight 93 are distinguished as their successful civilian counterattack that day was the beginning of the defense against global terror Their courageous execution prevented Islamist hijackers from reaching their intended target the United States Capitol Building which if victorious would have devastated the heartbeat of America s government More importantly their execution safeguarded the lives of innocent Americans on the ground Prior to the struggle to regain control of the plane Beamer was heard praying The Lord s Prayer and the 23rd Psalm prompting others to join in As the team prepared to make its move muffled voices were heard and Beamer clearly stating Are you ready OK lets roll The heroic actions by the two Los Gatans aboard United Flight 93 will always be remembered
The Wall of Gratitude Create history Build a legacy HOW TO PARTICIPATE THE WALL OF GRATITUDE Your name would look great on our wall You can make a difference We need individuals businesses corporations foundations governments veterans first responders service organizations and citizens to provide the support and funding necessary to make The Flame of Liberty Memorial a reality In addition to raising funds for construction of the memorial we plan to add funds for the first couple of years for memorial maintenance and support of the Foundation Major donors will be recognized with dedications upon our Wall of Gratitude which hosts superb exposure by the entrance to the memorial s focal point the flame and memorial platform We want our community to know the support that exists for America s heroes Major Donor Circle Donation Levels Liberty Freedom Independence Valor Honor Justice Loyalty 500K 250K to 499 99K 100K to 249 99K 75K to 99 99K 50K to 74 99K 25K to 49 99K 10K to 24 99K THE LIBERTY CAMPAIGN UNITED IN GRATITUDE
Ever think of what America would be like without their sacrifice Create history Build a legacy
MEMORIALS ARE NOT JUST FANCY BRICKS & MORTAR...
THEY'RE OFTEN A CATALYST TOWARDS HEALING
Some scenes from the Memorial Dedication
We unveiled Our Flame of Liberty Veterans Memorial on June 15, 2019 in the presence of about 1500 veterans and local citizens, state and government dignitaries, and Foundation members. To the left, you will find a trailer for the full program which is accessible on the home page of our website: www.honorAvet.org. Below you will see some scenes as well. We use the video below as a general solicitation video.
General H.R. McMaster, 26th National Security Advisor to the President, was our keynote speaker. GEN McMaster left his National Security Advisor post in 2018 and is now with the Hoover Institute in Stanford, CA. GEN McMaster's latest book Battlegrounds, The Fight to Defend the Free World, was released in 2020 and is a bestseller available through major booksellers and on sites such as Amazon. In the pages that follow, you will find a write-up on GEN McMaster's speech.
Also participating were the parents of local 9/11 heroes -Alice Hoagland - Mother to Mark Bingham, and David & Peggy Beamer - parents of Todd Beamer. Their Sons attempted to regain cockpit control from terrorists aboard United Flight 93. Their actions saved the U.S. Capitol from annihilation and thousands of Washingtonians on the ground.
Ever think of what America would be like without their sacrifice Create history Build a legacy
WE'D LIKE TO INTRODUCE YOU!
Meet portrait painter, illustrator, public art
and Flame of Liberty Memorial Artist Frank Kocian Morris, also Master Designer for the U.S. Mint.
Our Mission The Veterans Memorial Support Foundation has three tenants to its mission They are to Fund in perpetuity support for the needs of active service members veterans and their families Educate the community on the sacrifices borne by those who protect America s freedom Erect a world class memorial in the heart of Silicon Valley that delivers honor respect gratitude and healing to our active military service members veterans first responders and two 9 11 heroes who attempted to take back cockpit control from terrorist hijackers on United Flight 93 In the end we decided to turn our mission upside down and fulfill the third tenant first You see we re not all about bricks and mortar The memorial unto itself will help educate our community It will also serve as the venue for annual events using America s national holidays Memorial Day July 4th and Veterans Day And in the end we plan to deliver support to our heroes and their families who have been by their sides for the journey with our Yellow Ribbon Programs The nature of those programs will change over time in support of the dynamic needs of our veterans Our heroes have delivered greatness to America Now it s our turn to demonstrate greatness in return The design for The Flame of Liberty was selected following two extensive national arts challenges The Flame of Liberty is the thought provoking work of acclaimed artist Frank Kocian Morris Frank Morris work and recognized successes hang in private collections corporate boardrooms and city halls His paintings have been reproduced on covers of magazines such as Newsweek and New Yorker Magazine and his notable commendations speak volumes regarding his talent He has received 1st place awards and citations from Artists Magazine Print Magazine National Competition of Realistic Art Communication Arts Magazine Outstanding American Illustrators of America and the Society of Illustrators He was selected by the U S Treasury to serve as a Master Designer for the U S Mint The inspiration for Mr Morris work is that of a Faberge egg One sees the Soldier s Cross internal to The Flame of Liberty as the viewer approaches the platform The size of the Soldier s Cross is smaller than the flame representing the theme that the sacrifices of a few deliver the liberty enjoyed by many
Second Act: Unveiling The Wall of Gratitude
The Flame of Liberty Memorial was dedicated on June 15, 2019. We just celebrated the memorial's second year anniversary. On September 11 2021, we dedicated the Wall of Gratitude, recognizing those who have made significant contributions towards our mission in support of those who serve.
Join the legacy. Your name would look great on our Wall!
OUR WALL of GRATITUDE
Dedicated on September 11, 2021. Your name would look great on our Wall!
EDUCATING ON THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THOSE WHO SERVE
A second tenet of the Foundation's mission is to educate Americans on the contributions of those who serve. The memorial site serves as an excellent venue to do just that with our local schools and adult community.
The COVID pandemic hit America's shores in 2020. Our military was called into action. The Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation expresses thanks with our GRATITUDE CAMPAIGN. Please click on the arrow to start.
A Continued Focus on Improving Lives
An Example
WARRIORS + CAMARADERIE + HUMOR
A RECIPE FOR IMPROVED EMOTIONAL HEALTH and SUICIDE PREVENTION
Ellen Manzo, Executive Board Member, Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation
On the early morning of August 21, 2021, over 120 plus active military service members, Reservists, and Veterans gathered in front of The Flame of Liberty Veterans Memorial at the Los Gatos Civic Center. They came together with the simple intention of preventing Veterans' suicide. The Irreverent Warriors Silkies Hike was underway, and The Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation partnered with Irreverent Warriors to support the endeavor with local community veterans.
Irreverent Warriors is a nonprofit with a mission to bring veterans together using humor and camaraderie to improve mental health and prevent veteran suicide. The vision of Irreverent Warriors is to be the force that unites the Veteran community and drives a healthy culture within its members. Through creative engagements, events, and veteran-based solid support networks, their organization is a catalyst for improving veterans' outlook.
Irreverent Warriors organizers kicked off the hike with a talk about why they were there, what Irreverent Warriors represent, and how the organization strives to foster strong connections with fellow Veterans. Following the kickoff, the hike stepped off, heading down the Los Gatos Creek trail.
The element stayed together, with veterans of all ages, some in their silkies, others wearing military gear, and many carrying flags indicative of their service branches. The hike made multiple stops along the way, including Vasona Park, Netflix, and Garret Station, where participants enjoyed lunch at the halfway point on their journey.
There, Earl Granville, a veteran who lost his leg in Afghanization and suffered the loss of a brother and fellow Veteran from suicide, addressed the group on the importance of driving forward and learning not to carry all the weight on one's shoulders without asking for help. And these comrades will continue to make each other laugh. One of the perks of the hike is coming together, meeting new people, making new friends, and finding a support system. Following lunch, hikers headed back to The Flame of Liberty Memorial in downtown Los Gatos for the wrap-up.
Medically retired Marine Capt. Donny O'Malley and Irreverent Warriors Founder, who launched the concern in 2015, is also the creator of Vet TV. O'Malley spoke about the importance of making connections with other Veterans and not suffering alone. He encouraged his audience attendees to reach out to other veterans.
"The Irreverent Warriors event went off wonderfully and was beautifully executed," according to Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation Board Member Wayne Heimsoth.
Veteran U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. David Boston organized the event. David is a veteran warrior in his own right having served for eight years with multiple deployments to Iraq. David is also a committee member of the Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation. Sgt. Boston knows first-hand the critical value programs of this kind can deliver, having lost a sister and fellow Veteran to suicide. According to Sgt. Boston, "It was an incredibly humbling experience to have led such an amazing event for Irreverent Warriors whose mission is dear to my heart. I know the event saved lives, and I am looking forward to doing it again."
Active Military, America's Veterans. They're our brothers, sisters, neighbors. They're right here in Silicon Valley.
Please click on the arrow in the frame above to review our special message.
Then, click on the arrow on the upper right to advance to the next page.
Local Resident,
Double Duty
A MEMORIAL DEDICATION THAT INFORMS & INSPIRES
In the next few pages, you will learn about GEN H. R. McMaster's message to the audience and all Americans at the memorial dedication ceremony.
June 15, 2019.
Visit our website - www.HonorAVet.org
You can make a difference in the lives of those who served. Create history. Be part of a legacy. Download a pledge form today and reserve your place upon our Wall of Gratitude.
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