Published in the November 11-24, 2015 issue of Morgan Hill Life
Thank a vet today — and every day. Nov. 11 is Veterans Day, a celebration of the men and women in the American military who have given much to make our country safe from tyranny. Many of them have also sacrificed a lot of their lives — and even lost their lives — to bring freedom to other nations around the world.
The South Valley is a region that deeply cares about our military veterans from all branches of the Armed Forces. The list is long of local people who generously give of their time and talent to help veterans.
Among them is Eddie Bowers, a Vietnam U.S. Army veteran, who organizes the Memorial Day and Veterans Day commemoration ceremonies in downtown Morgan Hill. More than 100 residents, including retired members of the military, take a moment in their morning on those holidays to say a prayer and salute the flag in honor of the service people who have died in the field of battle.
There’s also Art Gonzales who founded the Vietnam Veterans and Friends group that raises funds for the Medal of Honor Society and the Veterans Supportive Services Agency. And Morgan Hill architect Charles Weston (a Vietnam War vet) and The Running Shop owner Paul Rakitin (an Afghanistan War vet) this year set up the inaugural Veterans Run, held last weekend, to raise money for causes that help veterans.
Veterans Day
Morgan Hill resident Lawson Sakai served in the legendary 442nd Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army during World War II and can often be seen in the July 4 parade that goes through downtown. The 442nd became the most decorated battalion in American history. Earlier this year, Sakai and others received the Cevalier of the Legion of Honor signed by the French president.
The South Valley region has several organizations that bring together veterans and animals for the benefit of both. Among them is Operation Freedom Paws located in a site in San Martin. Gilroy resident Mary Cortani, an Army vet, started it after she received a phone call during the holiday season from a U.S. Marine who had fought in the Iraq War and was considering suicide. Operation Freedom Paws brings dogs and veterans to its training facility for mental health therapy such as dealing with post traumatic stress disorder.
On July 3 every year, Freedom Fest organizer, and retired teacher, Karen Crane brings children together to entertain veterans with patriotic songs in celebration of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness Americans enjoy thanks to members of the military.
Throughout the year, the South Valley Compassion Center, located in Gilroy, provides help such as food and other life necessities to homeless people of all demographics — including former service people who live on the streets. And to honor deceased veterans, Gilroy Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, and Morgan Hill resident, Mark Turner has implemented a Wreaths Across America program where people buy a holiday ornamental wreath to place on a vet’s grave at either Mount Hope Cemetery in Morgan Hill or St. Mary’s Cemetery in Gilroy.
Military veterans give up much in their lives to serve their country. The freedoms we as Americans enjoy, as well as many nations of the world enjoy, start with the individual who decides to put on the uniform and thus makes many personal and professional sacrifices.
And let’s not forget their family members — especially spouses — who also make sacrifices to allow their loved ones to serve in the Armed Forces.
This Veterans Day, consider your friends, neighbors and fellow citizens in the South Valley region who have made it possible for you and your family to enjoy the benefits of a freedom-founded nation. We are fortunate that so many of these honorable men and women in our region gave of some of the best years of their lives in order for us to enjoy the quality of life we do.
