Pierre Claeyssen Veterans Foundation Proudly Sponsors 2018 Memorial Day Ceremony So That We Will “Never Forget”

Veterans, their families, those currently serving in uniform and the community are invited to join the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) for a free ceremony honoring all of those who have died in military service to our country. It will take place from 10 – 11 a.m. on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28 at the Santa Barbara Cemetery, 901 Channel Drive. Air Force Colonel (Ret) and PCVF Board Chair Philip J. Conran, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the event, which will include speakers from different military branches. The event will commence with the time-honored bagpipe procession by Pipe Major Bill Boetticher. The Santa Barbara Choral Society, will perform a selection patriotic songs to honor those who gave their lives to protect the freedoms we all enjoy. This auditioned, semi-professional chorus is celebrating its 70th year of service to the Central Coast under the skillful baton of Joanne Wasserman, who is celebrating her 25th year as conductor.  

Ample seating areas and parking will be provided. Early arrival is encouraged as the program will begin promptly at 10 a.m. Please call (805) 969-0695 for group reservations. For more information, call (805) 259-4394 or visit the PCVF website. 

This year, PCVF has put together an impressive roster of presenters, including Navy Commander (Ret) Charles “Crash” Huff who states that, “When it comes to Memorial Day, and ceremonies of this nature, I tend to be more traditional. No surprise to those that know me. Memorial Day is a specific reminder to never forget those that made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as those that were willing to sacrifice, and should prompt each of us to consider the continuing sacrifices made every day by the men and women currently serving our country both here and abroad.” 

Speaker Max Peck, a Sargent (Ret) in the Marine Corps, points out that, “The United States has plenty of fun, joyous holidays. Most of them are spent with friends and family. We are free to share meals, stories, and love for one another. Memorial Day reminds me of what it costs to have those fun and loving moments. Men and women of this nation paid a price in blood so we, the living, can enjoy the freedoms of this great nation. It’s a debt I’ll never be able to repay.”

When asked to share her thoughts about what makes Memorial Day special, United States Air Force (USAF), Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Patricia Rumpza says that, “As citizens of Santa Barbara, we are fortunate to be able to come together as a community to participate in a time-honored tradition. It’s a way to reflect on what it means to be an American and honor people who served, or are currently serving in places around the world, in order to protect the liberties we all enjoy. 

Tickets are available for the PCVF Memorial Day Fundraiser Luncheon which will take place immediately following the ceremony. The cost is $150. To order, call (805) 259-4394, email media@pcvf.org or visit www.pcvf.org.

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About PCVF
Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation is committed to honoring the men and women who have served in U.S. military efforts. PCVF does this by supporting veterans and active duty members, and related partner organizations, in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties as well as preserving military history and legacy. The Foundation works to uphold Pierre Claeyssens’s vision that those who have served are “Never Forgotten.” PCVF is funded entirely by private donations. For more information, visit www.pcvf.org or call (805) 259-4394.