California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery
Transcription
California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery
~ IN APPRECIATION ~ Today we acknowledge the California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery (CCCVC) groundbreaking. This Veterans Cemetery will become a place of final rest, honoring veterans who have served to preserve our national freedoms. The CCCVC has been made possible through the support of the Central Coast veteran community and many others. We thank the U.S. Army, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), the Fort Ord Reuse Authority, the County of Monterey, the City of Seaside, and all federal, state and local elected officials involved in this project. Also, we extend sincere appreciation to the many individuals and groups who contributed energy or resources to this 20-year effort. Further, we thank the Presidio of Monterey for hosting today’s event. California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery Groundbreaking Celebration A special thanks to everyone who contributed funds to the CCCVC these past two decades. Were it not for the many successful local, regional, and national fundraising efforts, and key individual and organizational contributions, we would not be celebrating this groundbreaking. Most of all, thank you to our veterans, their families and friends, and many thoughtful citizens whose dedicated determination and unwavering support helped create the Central Coast Veterans Cemetery as a tribute to those who have served. Transportation to the cemetery site, offered by the United Veterans Council, will begin at the conclusion of the program. Shuttles will run from 12:30 to 4:00 PM from Stilwell Community Center for photo opportunities at the groundbreaking location. March 13, 2015 PROGRAM OF EVENTS - 10:30 a.m. Arrival at Stilwell Community Center - 10:40 a.m. Opening remarks by Colonel Paul W. Fellinger, Jr. Presidio of Monterey Garrison Commander Presentation of Colors, National Anthem & Invocation - 10:55 a.m. Colonel Paul W. Fellinger, Jr. to introduce Masters of Ceremony - 11:00 a.m. The Honorable Sam Farr, U. S. Representative - 11:20 a.m. The Honorable Bill Monning, CA State Senator - 11:35 a.m. California Department of Veterans Affairs Keith Boylan, Deputy Secretary - 11:55 a.m. U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration George Eisenbach, Director - 12:05 p.m. County Military & Veterans Affairs Officer Jack Stewart, U. S. Army (Retired) - 12:20 p.m. Taps by Stan Soroken & families of the fallen place ceremonial flags - 12:30 p.m. Ceremony Concludes Program is being recorded by the CA State Senate To access the recorded program visit: http://sd17.senate.ca.gov/ California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery Burial Information To help determine if you and your spouse are eligible for burial in a veterans cemetery, please visit your local county Veterans Affairs office. Monterey County Military & Veterans Affairs offices: 1200 Aguajito Rd. Ste. 003 Monterey, CA 93940 1000 S. Main St. Ste. 209A Salinas, CA 93940 522 N. 2nd St. King City, CA 93930 649 San Benito St. Hollister, CA 95023 3401 Engineer Ln. Seaside, CA 93955 (831) 647-7613 Reaches all offices The Honorable Sam Farr, U. S. Representative 20th Congressional District The Honorable Bill Monning, Senator Senate Majority Leader 17th State Senate District George Eisenbach, Director U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration Santa Cruz County Military & Veterans Affairs offices: 215 East Beach St. Watsonville, CA 95076 (831) 763-4419 1350 41st Ave. Capitola, CA 95010 (831) 464-4575 842 Front St. Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (831) 458-7110 There are many steps you can take today to predetermine if you are eligible for burial at the CCCVC. For your convenience, CCCVC Eligibility Determination forms are available today at the Stilwell Community Center. These forms are also available at your local county Military & Veterans Affairs office listed above. If you would like to receive CCCVC burial updates, please contact the CCVC Foundation at www.ccvcf.com or (831) 218-7180. Additional information and the Eligibility Determination form can be found online at www.calvet.ca.gov/ VetServices/Pages/State-Veterans-Cemeteries.aspx. Thank you for your service! Major General David S. Baldwin California Military Department Representing The Honorable Jerry Brown, Governor Paul W. Fellinger, Jr., Colonel U. S. Army Presidio of Monterey Garrison Command Keith Boylan, Deputy Secretary California Department of Veterans Affairs Jack Stewart County Military & Veterans Affairs Officer U. S. Army, Retired The Initial Phase site plan is shown at left. The red area on the map shown below illustrates the complete 78acre California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery site. Nearly 25 years ago, a group of Monterey Bay area veterans began a mission to establish a new veterans cemetery. The California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery (CCCVC) site, covering more than 78 acres on the former Fort Ord Army post, memorializes the area’s rich military history. On February 17, 2015, Phase I initial construction preparation began at the beautiful location designed to provide a place of final rest for veterans and their spouses. Phase I includes construction of the main entrance, roads, an assembly area, a committal shelter, columbaria, 5,000 columbarium niches, landscaping, a memorial walkway, and supporting infrastructure for 17 acres. Phase I has an anticipated completion date of July 17, 2016. The CCCVC is expected to serve an estimated 100,000 veterans and their spouses living in Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito, Santa Clara, and San Luis Obispo counties. CalVet operates State Veterans Cemeteries in Yountville and Igo. Additional information and Eligibility Determination forms can be found online at: www.calvet.ca.gov. This image illustrates a ground view to the north.