MOAA-SVC Supports Memorial Day at Oak Hill in San Jose 27 MAY 2024
San Jose’s Oak Hill Cemetery was the venue for the 2024 Memorial Day remembrance ceremony. The grandstands were full of Veterans and supporters. ALL US military headstones were adorned with flags and placed by local boy scout and girl scout troops. Keynote was delivered by Maj. Robert “Adam” Patterson USMC/CIA Retired. Gold and Blue star moms were represented by Cheryl Walsh and Donna Zolezzi. Special in Memoriam for longtime chapter and board member Robert Joseph Kadlec 1941 – 2023. The 129th Rescue Squadron provided a HH60 pave hawk helicopter for the National anthem fly-over then landed for static display for event guest. The 23d Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division provided 21 gun salute and the USAF Band of the Golden West, Ceremonial Band provided TAPs. There was also a WW1 realistic replica trench provided by the Eagle Field Foundation and Oak Hill cemetery. The displayed included Doughboy re-enactors for added realism to remember WW1. Several speakers were featured including local city leaders including Mayor Matt Mahan and State Senator District 16 Dave Cortese. The guest included senior military ranking officer’s including COL Vic Teal commander of the 129th. Chapter member AJ Pasciuti led the Pledge of Allegiance and flag raising ceremony. There were free hot dogs for all and an old time band played music to entertain guest as they strolled among several organizational booths that shared information on their mission. Mike Hennessy owner of Hennessy Automotive provided video services and key interviews during the event. Booth displays included the VA Palo Alto, Santa Clara County Veteran Services Office [VSO], the Honor Flight Org, and MOAA-SVC. USA Col (Ret) Roger Clark and AF (Ret) Capt. Ricky Deutsch manned our booth to greet guest and prospective members. They distributed chapter promotional cards and provided information on MOAA-SVC primary mission which is to support veterans and active-duty military members and their families.