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Over the next several months, the June and July editions of The Flame of Liberty Times will publish a series of patriotic observances, which is why you will see some large-scale events that have already passed and some that are yet to occur. Whether they lie ahead or behind us, these milestones create many opportunities to pause and engage with stories of civic life, military history, and service-centered reflection.
This June edition includes a feature tied to D-Day journalist Martha Gellhorn, women veterans, and Women Veterans Day, while also looking ahead to July’s themes and the approach of the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding. A little closer to home, we will also touch on the upcoming leadership transition at Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation.
The July edition will continue a similar arc, incorporating even more local Independence Day observances alongside broader national remembrance of the people and events that have shaped our country. We will also close the loop on our leadership transition, offering both a retrospective from outgoing leadership and a look ahead from those stepping into new roles.
We hope you find time this season to reflect and celebrate with loved ones, and honor the service and sacrifice of those who have answered the call to something larger than themselves.
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New! A quick guide to this edition:
To make it easier to explore the Flame of Liberty Times, we’ve added color-coded section cues to help you quickly find the stories, events, and opportunities that interest you most. Follow the colors throughout the newsletter for a smoother reading experience.
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In This Issue
🟥 Mission Moments
- Upcoming Leadership Transition
- Women Veterans Recognition Day Inaugural Walk
- Reflecting on 250 Years of America's Stories
🟦 Upcoming Local Events and Patriotic Observances
- Saturday July 4: Los Gatos 4th of July - Symphony in the Park
- Sunday July 26: 15th Annual Sarataga Classic & Cool Car Show
🟨 Yellow Ribbon Spotlight Field Reports
- Memorial Day Reflections
- Supply Drops & VA Wish List Initiatives
🟪 Get Involved - Support the Mission
- Donations and Volunteer Opportunities
⬜ Reference & Reflections
- "Yes, I Served": Recognizing Women Veterans
- Photo Gallery: Moments of Service & Building Connections
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Mission Moment: Upcoming Leadership Transition
At Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation, we are entering an important transition period for the organization as new leadership steps into the role and we continue building on the momentum of the past several years of service and community engagement.
Since January, the Foundation Board has been aware of a leadership transition slated to occur at the end of our fiscal year - June 30th, as Foundation President - Major General Kent Hillhouse, U.S. Army (Retired), steps down from his 12-year role. Originally expected to serve as two-year term, General Hillhouse remained in the role for more than a decade as the Foundation continued to grow and evolve.
General Hillhouse will not be leaving the Foundation. He will transition into an advisory board position, where he will continue to provide guidance and support to board members and volunteers.
Effective July 1, the role of Foundation President will transition to Charles Richards, a military veteran with longstanding ties to the nonprofit community.
Look for formal introductions and full leadership biographies in the July edition of the newsletter, along with reflections from outgoing leadership and a look ahead to future priorities.
For now, we want to acknowledge the continued collaboration across our team and partners as we move through this transition together. We extend our gratitude to both gentlemen for their commitment to the Foundation and its mission.
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Mission Moment: Women Veterans Recognition Day
Inaugural Walk
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Members of the Women Veterans Group met with supporters for the groups inaugural walk
Photo Credit: Pat Tam
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Did you know that Women Veterans Recognition Day celebrated on June 12 is not a separate Veterans Day for women veterans? Women Veterans Day commemorates the day that President Truman in 1948 signed in the Women Armed Services Integration Act allowing women to serve as permanent regular members of the armed forces.
On Saturday, June 13, a small group of participants gathered to commemorate the anniversary of the signing and to plan for another first – the launch of the first-ever Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation Women Veterans Day walk.
The walk grew out of informal conversations among members of our Women Veterans group, who desired to network with other women veterans.
In the meantime, we learned about Women Veterans Day - an observance generally recognized at the state and local levels (and not yet nationally recognized). That discovery of a previously unfamiliar observance helped shape the idea of turning a walk into a way to honor the service and contributions of women veterans while also helping raise awareness of the day itself.
The event itself was conducted as an invitation-only pilot and was not broadly advertised, as our goal was to test feasibility, gather feedback, and use what we learn to help shape future walks.
Members of the Women Veterans group met with supporters for a morning walk along the Los Gatos Trail before temperatures rose to uncomfortable levels for the day.
While most of the participants walked in Los Gatos, the group was supported remotely from Austin, Texas, by Foundation co-founder, Ellen Manzo, who serves as the Women Veterans group mentor. Ellen shared her own reflections on the meaning of the day - you can see her video of Zilker Park and Lady Bird Lake here.
We stand proudly in recognizing that, while this mission pilot event was small in size, the heart behind it was not. We consider this pilot mission successfully accomplished.
We are excited to create a tradition of networking women veterans through fitness and we hope you will join us as the official walk launches and grows in the years to come.
See photos of the event in the Reference & Reflections section.
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| | Mission Moment: Reflecting on 250 Years of America's Stories | | |
As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence - the nation’s semiquincentennial - organizations, educators, museums, and historians are encouraging Americans to reflect on the people and events that have shaped our nation's story. Because The Flame of Liberty Times publishes in late June and late July, we will observe the Independence Day season across both editions, extending our reflections on this important milestone.
One project drawing attention is award-winning historian and author Heather Cox Richardson’s 250 for 250 initiative. Working with a team of researchers, educators, and narrators, Richardson is producing 250 short videos - one for each year of America’s history. The series explores themes such as community, democracy, innovation, civil rights, education, conservation, and creativity.
Shared across multiple platforms, each video offers a brief highlight of a person, event, idea, or moment that contributed to the nation’s development. Rather than focusing exclusively on presidents, battles, and major political leaders, the series also highlights ordinary citizens whose actions shaped their communities and, in turn, the country.
We are sharing this resource ahead of the July 4th holiday as an invitation to explore the many perspectives and stories that make up our national history.
Readers interested in the series can find the videos through Heather Cox Richardson's newsletter and social media channels linked below, or by searching #WeAreAmerica250
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| Events in our surrounding area that you can attend. | |
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🇺🇸 Town of Los Gatos 4th of July - Symphony in the Park
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Oak Meadow Park
Follow their link to learn more. Also, drop by that day to say hello to members of our team.
🚗 15th Annual Saratoga Classic & Cool Car Show
Sunday, July 26, 2026
Historic Saratoga Village
Follow their link for details and to register for updates.
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Upcoming Patriotic Observances | | The following dates mark important moments in our nation’s history and traditions of service. We invite readers to explore, reflect, and observe in ways that are meaningful to them. | |
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June
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June 6: D - Day
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June 12: Women Veterans Day
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June 14: Flag Day and Army Birthday (1775)
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June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
July
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July 4: Independence Day and the Nation's 250th
August
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August 4: Coast Guard Birthday (1790)
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August 29: Marine Forces Reserve: (1916)
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Yellow Ribbon Spotlight
Highlighting Veteran Impact and Community Support
| | | Field Report: Memorial Day Reflections | | |
The Memorial Day gathering at our Flame of Liberty Memorial held on May 25 drew approximately 400 attendees, including veterans from across the region, civic leaders, board members and volunteers from both Open Doors for Future Possibilities and Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation.
The day reflected a strong sense of community, remembrance, and engagement among participants. The ceremony provided an opportunity for attendees to honor those who served and reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day.
Town of Los Gatos Mayor Rob Moore recognized the Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation for its contribution of The Flame of Liberty Memorial to the community and the Foundation's endeavors to improve the lives of veterans. Mayor Moore introduced Board Member Lieutenant Colonel Walker Pearce-Percy, who then introduced Foundation President - Major General Kent Hillhouse, U.S. Army (Ret.). Reflections shared by veterans and community members added perspectives that resonated with attendees, including General Hillhouse's deeply personal reflection of the loss of one service member who served by his side during his time on the front line with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Vietnam (1967 - 1968).
The program offered multiple moments of reflection honoring those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice. Open Doors highlighted the ongoing needs of veterans today, including awareness surrounding veterans in crisis and suicide prevention.
Board Member Wayne Heimsoth participated as part of the color guard detail, representing the continued commitment of our members and volunteers to preserving traditions of remembrance and honoring those who came before us.
Beyond the formal program, lunch on the lawn and conversations in shaded gathering areas provided opportunities for meaningful connection. Veterans, community members, and partner organizations were able to share stories, discuss service and remembrance, and strengthen relationships in an informal setting.
Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation appreciates the efforts of all those who helped make the gathering possible and values opportunities to participate in events that bring veterans, families, and community members together in remembrance and service.
See photos of the event in the Reference & Reflections section.
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Field Reports: Supply Drops & VA Wish List Initiatives
The Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation proudly supports veterans served through the VA Palo Alto Health Care System by providing resources, supplies, and support through our Yellow Ribbon Initiatives.
If you are interested in supporting Supply Drops and fulfilling VA Wish List requests for veterans and their families, please consider making a donation. Your support helps us continue providing meaningful resources that complement the care and services available to those who have served our country.
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| Gift Cards & General Supplies Support Veteran Needs | | |
On May 5, our Yellow Ribbon Team delivered Supply Drops providing general supplies and fulfilling VA Wish List requests to the VA Health Care System for items that are desperately needed and are not provisioned from veterans Administration resources.
Gift cards continue to be a valuable flexible giving option, allowing VA programs and units to direct resources where they are needed most.
The Veterans Foundation donated gift cards to the Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center to veteran-focused community reintegration and independence in social settings.
Gift cards were also supplied to Addiction Treatment Services programs to support refreshments for veteran support events and veteran-developed community recovery projects that promote connection and engagement.
And thanks to FedEx's San Jose location, Supply Drops of donated household goods and general supplies were divided and contributed to three Veteran centers on May 21: one van of supplies was delivered to the VA Northern California Health Care System in Livermore, while two additional vans "dropped supplies" at the VA Health Care System and the Defenders Lodge in Palo Alto.
Together, these Supply Drops and VA Wish List contributions represent two complementary dimensions of the Yellow Ribbon program: broad operational support and hands-on donations that directly benefit veterans receiving care. All contributions, small to significant, create meaningful impact.
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Upper Photo: Board Member Wayne Heimsoth presents a gift card to a VA program staff member
Lower Photo: Volunteers Susan Heimsoth and Mary Lancaster arrange the pick up and delivery of donations
Photo Credits: Wayne Heimsoth
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Field Report: How VMSF Assists the VA Mission
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The Yellow Ribbon Initiative Supply Drops and VA Wish List efforts exist to support veterans where they are, including the programs and services that help meet the needs of veterans throughout the VA health care system.
While we do not have direct reporting on the specific use of each donation within the VA system, the VA Palo Alto Health Care System shared the patient care snapshot below to provide a broader view of the care and services available to veterans.
The snapshot highlights the VA’s “right service, right place, right time” approach through Connected Care and access-to-care initiatives designed to connect veterans with the resources that best support their individual needs.
We include this snapshot to remind all of us that behind every program, resource, and outreach effort are veterans, families, and care teams working together to support the veteran community.
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| | Graphic provided by VA Palo Alto Health Care System | | | |
Please see the Get Involved section below to learn how individuals, businesses, community groups, and local organizations can participate.
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| Get Involved - Support the Mission | | |
Support our America 250 initiatives and help expand our outreach as we move through this season of national reflection. Your support helps the Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation continue sharing stories of service, sacrifice, and civic life.
Make a donation, dedicate a paver, or join the Wall of Gratitude using the options below.
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Volunteer Recruitment:
Your experience has value!
We are seeking volunteers and community members who would like to participate in the growing work of supporting veterans and their families. There are many ways to contribute - whether through assisting at events, supporting community outreach, sharing professional experience, or helping expand program initiatives and capacity.
Your time, talents, and treasures are an important part of our mission.
We are also exploring opportunities for mentorship and knowledge-sharing, helping veterans and their families build confidence, strengthen skills, and continue growing while contributing to the community around them.
If you are interested in supporting programs that serve veterans and their families, we encourage you to learn more about how you can get involved.
Explore volunteer opportunities
Support our programs
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Pat Tam, videographer and President of Cupertino TV Productions, poses with VMSF volunteers following a recent video shoot at the Flame of Liberty Memorial
Photo Credit: Pat Tam, President of Cupertino TV Productions
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Sharing this newsletter with others helps extend our reach to veterans and families who may benefit from support, while helping us connect with individuals who want to support our mission.
If someone shared this newsletter with you, we are glad you are here!
You can sign up to receive updates delivered directly to your inbox.
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Juneteenth, observed each year on June 19, commemorates the day in 1865 when news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, more than two years after the proclamation was issued.
As we reflect on the many milestones that shape our nation’s history, Juneteenth offers an opportunity to learn more about freedom, resilience, and the ongoing work of understanding the many lived experiences that have shaped the American story.
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Reflection: Yes, I served. I am a veteran.
Written by Rebecca Olsen, Volunteer Newsletter Contributor
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Martha Gellhorn near Cassino, Italy in February, 1944, four months before D-Day
Photo Credit: Imperial War Museum (NA 11895)
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What does a veteran look like?
As we continue reflecting on the significance of D-Day and Women Veterans Day, Reference & Reflections explores the stories of women whose courage, service, and sacrifice helped shape our nation’s history - often without the recognition they deserved.
Through the lens of trailblazers like Martha Gellhorn and the experiences of women who answered the call to serve, we reflect on what it truly means to say: “Yes, I served. I am a veteran,” and why that recognition still matters.
Read the full article
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Photo Gallery: Moments of Service & Building Connections | | Memorial Day Sunday May 25, 2026 | | |
Memorial Day Photo Credits:
- Rebecca Olsen: Morning flag display
- Sharon Mendelson: Meet and Great and VMSF speakers
- Thomas Jung: Color Guard and and five VMSF members with veteran participant, Ken
- Marie Vyas: Veteran volunteers Rebecca Olsen and Marie Vyas before the ceremony
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Women Veterans Recognition Day
Inaugural Walk
Saturday June 13
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Women Veterans Recognition Day Walk Photo Credits:
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Essential Information for
Veterans and Their Family Members
| | Navigating services and benefits can sometimes feel overwhelming. The following links help connect veterans, caregivers, and family members with important VA resources, support information, and helpful tools. | |
| For more information on the Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation or to make a donation please contact us: | | | | |
