Palo Alto, Stanford come together to celebrate Veterans Day

The aroma of history and gratitude filled MacArthur Park Restaurant and Bar Monday as Stanford University and the City of Palo Alto held their fifth annual joint Veteran’s Day event, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by local service members. The gathering underscored a growing urgency to directly honor veterans, particularly as many who served in historic conflicts age. The event, featuring speakers and music, served as a vital connection point for a community increasingly distanced from the realities of military service.

The ceremony began with a presentation from the city’s police and fire joint Honor Guard, followed by a performance from the Stanford Mendicants a cappella group. The historic MacArthur Park Restaurant and Bar, originally built near the end of World War I, lent a unique significance to the occasion. Initially constructed as a “Hostess House” for troops and visitors at Camp Fremont in Menlo Park, the building was relocated to Palo Alto after the war to serve as a community center, intended to “honor the soldiers who gave their lives.” Camp Fremont, a significant training facility during World War I, once occupied a vast area of what is now Menlo Park. The sheer scale of Camp Fremont, encompassing roughly 2,000 acres, underscores its importance in the nation’s mobilization effort. Thousands of soldiers passed through its gates, preparing for deployment to Europe. The Hostess House served as a vital respite for these troops and their families, offering a sense of normalcy and connection to home during a time of war. Its relocation to Palo Alto symbolized a commitment to maintaining that spirit of community and remembrance long after the war ended.

The importance of these local celebrations is amplified by trends impacting the Bay Area, according to Ray Powell, president of the American Legion Palo Alto Post 375. Powell, a veteran of 35 years in the U.S. Air Force, emphasized the dwindling connections between the community and the military. “The biggest reason that I love being a part of this is because it reminds our community that veterans are among them, and that we are their neighbors, and that we’re normal people,” Powell said. “Someone has to keep representing them here, in the local community.”

Rising living costs and the closure of local military bases have contributed to a decline in the number of veterans residing in the area, alongside a general decrease in public awareness of military service. This makes acknowledging and honoring those who remain all the more crucial. These events provide a vital opportunity to reinforce the idea that veterans are not distant figures, but integral members of the community. The closure of Moffett Federal Airfield, once a hub for military aviation and a significant employer in the region, is a stark reminder of this decline. While Moffett has transitioned to civilian use, its legacy as a military base has significantly impacted the local veteran population. The high cost of housing in the Bay Area also plays a role, forcing many veterans to relocate to more affordable areas, further diminishing the local veteran community.

Michelle Landrey Cline, Stanford University’s vice president for Alumni Affairs and president of the Alumni Association, delivered the welcome remarks, highlighting the connections veterans maintain through institutions like the Palo Alto VA Health Care System, which serves over 67,000 veterans across Northern California and Nevada. The Palo Alto VA Health Care System provides a wide range of services, from primary care to specialized mental health support, serving as a critical resource for veterans in the region. Cline shared personal experiences with military personnel, noting how they “inspire us through their dedication, their leadership and their commitment to a cause greater than themselves.”

Vice Mayor Greer Stone echoed this sentiment, recognizing the site’s historical significance and expressing gratitude on behalf of the city. “They remind us that patriotism is not solely about waving the flag or singing the national anthem; it is about those values those symbols represent. It is about the sacrifice, duty, courage and commitment to one another,” Stone said.

During the ceremony, the South Bay Blue Star Moms group presented Sgt. Joe Tucker Sr. with a Quilt of Valor, a tangible symbol of appreciation for his service. Tucker served in the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1970 and was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge and Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service under fire. Donna Zolezzi and Denise Dobrenz, president and first vice president of the South Bay Blue Star Moms, presented the quilt, thanking Tucker for his service. The Quilt of Valor program is a national initiative dedicated to honoring veterans with handmade quilts, each representing a symbol of gratitude and support. The South Bay Blue Star Moms group exemplifies the community’s commitment to recognizing and supporting veterans, demonstrating a tangible way to show appreciation for their service and sacrifice.

The keynote address was delivered by Lt. Col. Tyler J. Jensen, who recounted instances of selfless service throughout history, drawing parallels between the sacrifices of veterans and everyday citizens. He cited the 1982 Air Florida Flight 90 crash, where numerous individuals, including helicopter pilot Donald Usher, passenger Arland D. Williams Jr., and commuters Roger Olian and Lenny Skutnik, risked their lives to rescue survivors from the icy Potomac River. These acts of bravery exemplify the spirit of service that binds a nation together.

Jensen, a Hoover Institution National Security Affairs Fellow, emphasized the importance of selfless service as a cornerstone of American values. “I see that the reason America is really different in a lot of ways is because it’s based upon an idea,” Jensen said. “I think there’s nothing more American to that idea than serving your fellow neighbor.”

The Significance of Selfless Service

Lt. Col. Jensen's choice of the Air Florida Flight 90 crash as an example highlights a crucial point: heroism isn’t solely confined to the battlefield. The story of the crash and the subsequent rescue efforts serves as a powerful reminder that acts of courage and compassion can occur in everyday life, often driven by a deep sense of empathy and a commitment to helping others. Donald Usher’s decision to fly his helicopter into the blizzard, Arland Williams Jr.’s selfless act of passing the lifeline to others, and the bravery of Roger Olian and Lenny Skutnik in entering the frigid water all demonstrate the capacity for extraordinary kindness in ordinary people.

Looking Ahead: Sustaining Veteran Connections

The fifth annual Veteran’s Day event underscores the ongoing need to strengthen ties between the community and its veterans. Ray Powell’s concerns about the declining number of veterans in the area, coupled with the high cost of living, present a challenge. Future initiatives might include targeted outreach programs to connect veterans with local resources, such as job training, housing assistance, and mental health support. Furthermore, educational programs in schools and community centers could help raise awareness about the contributions of veterans and foster a greater appreciation for their service. The Palo Alto city council could also explore ways to recognize and celebrate veterans throughout the year, not just on Veteran’s Day, to ensure their stories and sacrifices are never forgotten.

Camp Fremont’s Enduring Legacy

While Camp Fremont no longer exists, its legacy continues to shape the region. The area where the camp once stood is now a mix of residential neighborhoods, parks, and commercial developments. However, historical markers and local museums serve as reminders of the camp’s significance during World War I. Preserving and sharing this history is crucial for educating future generations about the sacrifices made during wartime and the importance of community support for veterans.

The Role of Stanford University

Stanford University's participation in the Veteran’s Day event highlights its commitment to civic engagement and supporting the local community. The university’s resources, including its Alumni Association and Hoover Institution, can play a vital role in fostering dialogue about military service and national security. Further collaboration between Stanford and local veteran organizations could lead to innovative programs and initiatives that benefit both the university community and the wider veteran population.

More About the South Bay Blue Star Moms

The South Bay Blue Star Moms is a chapter of a national organization comprised of mothers who have children serving in the military or who have previously served. The group engages in various activities to support military families, including sending care packages, providing financial assistance, and hosting events. Their presentation of the Quilt of Valor is just one example of their dedication to honoring and appreciating the sacrifices of veterans and their families. Learning more about their work and supporting their efforts is a meaningful way to show gratitude for those who serve.