On Sunday, July 26, a few thousand visitors gathered in downtown Saratoga for the 15^th Annual Saratoga Classic & Cool Car Show, one of the community's signature summer traditions. Over the years, the event has evolved from showcasing classic automobiles to celebrating both classic and modern specialty vehicles, reflecting the growing enthusiasm of collectors and automotive enthusiasts alike.

Attendees explored an impressive display of vehicles lining Big Basin Way (Highway 9), ranging from vintage automobiles and custom cars to unusual motorcycles, military vehicles, and even a steam-powered bicycle. Live music, local businesses, community organizations, and family-friendly activities created an atmosphere that celebrated Saratoga's history and community spirit.

This year's celebration carried added significance. Event organizer Tiger Teerlink noted that the car show's 15^th anniversary coincided with several important milestones: America's 250^th anniversary, the City of Saratoga's 70^th anniversary, the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce's 100^th anniversary, and the 100^th anniversary of neighboring business, Novakovich Orchards.

The opening ceremony concluded with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem accompanied by a patriotic flyover from the Patriots Jet Team, filling the sky with red, white, and blue smoke trails.

For the Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation, the day was about more than cars - it was about community. Throughout the event, Foundation staff and volunteers welcomed visitors to our booth, answered questions about our mission, met veterans, first responders, and their families, and shared information about our memorials, upcoming September 11 event, volunteer opportunities, and commemorative pavers.

American flags proved especially popular with younger visitors, giving children an opportunity to participate in the day's civic spirit while opening the door to conversations with their families about the Foundation's mission and ways to become involved.

Events like the Saratoga Classic & Cool Car Show allow us to connect with our community beyond memorial ceremonies, introduce more people to the Foundation, and create opportunities for people of all ages to learn about service, remembrance, and ways to support our local veteran community.

Approximately 70 visitors stopped by our booth to learn more about the Foundation. One of the day's biggest takeaways was that many local residents were surprised to learn that our Flame of Liberty Memorial and auxiliary memorial elements - honoring veterans, first responders, and our hometown September 11 heroes - is located in Los Gatos. Those conversations reinforced the importance of continuing our outreach efforts and connecting more members of the community with the places, programs, and events that honor service and sacrifice.

Thank you to Foundation staff and volunteers Diane Chandler, Duino Giordano, Major General Kent Hillhouse, George Hall, Mark Buxton, and Marie Vyas for staffing our booth, while Tyler Brunner captured photographic moments of the day's festivities.

Want to learn more about some of the unique displays and participants featured at the Saratoga Classic & Cool Car Show?

Watch the KSAR Community Access coverage of the event to see highlights that helped make the day memorable.

The military vehicle displays showcased at the event were presented by the Moffett Field Museum Eagle Field Foundation. Museum visitors interested in learning more about these historic vehicles and the stories behind them can explore their collections and educational resources.

The event also featured a patriotic flyover by the Patriots Jet Team, whose aircraft display added a memorable moment of celebration and connection to the day's festivities.

For nearly ten years, I worked as an agency caregiver, supporting older adults and their families as they navigated the challenges that often come with aging. During that time, I witnessed countless acts of patience, love, and sacrifice from family members who show up every day for someone they care about. Their commitment is often quiet and rarely recognized, yet it makes an enormous difference in the lives of those they support.

Over the years, I have learned that some of the most important parts of caregiving are not the tasks themselves, but the relationships that are built along the way. I have listened to life stories, celebrated small victories, and provided comfort during difficult moments. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the strength and resilience of both those receiving care and the loved ones who support them.

In my work, I also had the opportunity to care for several veterans, which left a lasting impression on me. I saw firsthand that many carried not only the visible effects of aging, but also the long-term impact of their service. Some were open about their experiences, while others shared very little. Still, there was often a quiet strength in the way they approached daily life. It became clear to me how important it is for care to honor both a person’s independence and their history of service.

America's veterans have dedicated their lives to serving our nation, often sacrificing time with family, personal comfort, and even their own safety in defense of our freedoms. As many veterans enter their senior years, they face challenges associated with aging, including chronic health conditions, mobility limitations, cognitive decline, and the lasting effects of service-connected disabilities. These challenges can affect nearly every part of daily life and often require ongoing support to manage safely and with dignity.

Caregivers are often spouses, adult children, relatives, or close friends who provide essential support every day. Many of these caregivers are unpaid, offering their time and energy out of love and commitment rather than compensation. Their responsibilities may include preparing meals, managing medications, coordinating medical appointments, providing transportation, and helping veterans navigate healthcare systems.

The role is both meaningful and demanding. Many caregivers balance these responsibilities while maintaining careers, raising families, and managing their own health concerns. The emotional and financial challenges can be significant, yet countless caregivers continue their work with dedication, motivated by love, respect, and gratitude for the veteran in their care.

For aging veterans, the presence of a caregiver can make a tremendous difference in quality of life. Caregivers help veterans remain independent, stay connected to their communities, and maintain a sense of dignity and purpose. Their support often allows veterans to continue living at home, surrounded by familiar routines and loved ones.

Recognizing caregivers is an important part of supporting the veteran community as a whole. Resources are available through the Department of Veterans Affairs, community organizations, and veteran service groups to help caregivers navigate their responsibilities. Programs such as caregiver training, respite care, support groups, and home health services can provide valuable assistance and reduce caregiver stress.

At the Veterans Memorial and Support Foundation, we believe honoring veterans means supporting the people who stand beside them. As we honor those who served our nation, let us also recognize the caregivers who continue that mission every day. Their compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment help ensure that America's veterans receive the care, respect, and dignity they have earned through a lifetime of service.

Carolyn Leggett is a registered nurse with more than 20 years of experience in home health and hospice care. Inspired by her family's military service and her years of caring for veterans and their families, including her own, she brings a unique perspective on caregiving, aging veterans, and navigating long-term care.

Looking for a meaningful way to serve your community?

In recognition of the 25^th anniversary of September 11, the National Cemetery Administration - in partnership with Carry The Load and Just Serve - is hosting a National Day of Service at participating national cemeteries across the country.

Volunteers will receive instruction on respectful headstone cleaning and beautification while helping preserve these sacred spaces and honor the men and women who served our nation.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals, families, youth organizations, employee volunteer groups, and students seeking community service or civics-related service hours

The service opportunity will be conducted on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. (local time), except at Houston National Cemetery in Texas which will start at 9:30 a.m. (local time). Volunteers may arrive 30 minutes early to prepare for activities.