On Monday November 11th, the City of Vista celebrated the Men and Women who have served our country. The ceremony was held at Veterans Memorial Park at 267 S. Santa Fe Avenue. The preceding’s began with a Welcome from City Manager John Conley. Master of ceremonies was Mayor John Franklin. The Presentation of the Colors was performed by HMLA-369 Gunfighters from Camp Pendleton. The pledge of allegiance was led by the Boy Scout Troup #799. National Anthem was sung by Abbi Hoffpauir. The guest speakers were Angela Pinamonti, Senator Catherine Blakespear, Kasey Condon, Ryan Ewart, Kristal Jabara, Deputy Mayor Katie Melendez, Councilmember Corinna Contreras, Councilmember Dan O’Donnell Councilmember Joe Green and Spring Hunsinger.
There was a Presentation of Proclamation to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7041 & American Legion Post 365.
Lieutenant Colonel Christoper N. Hart, Commanding Officer, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369 also addressed the crowd.
Keynote Speaker was Brigadier General J.W. Bullard (Retired) West-Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. He gave the brief history Veterans Day educating the audience of the significance of this unique holiday. The following video includes the Generals speech. It is well worth listening to.
Photos
Credit to: Karli Cadel
NC daily Star
Veterans Memorial Park
267 S. Santa Fe Avenue, Vista, CA
(Across from Pepper Tree Frosty)
The Veterans Memorial Park, located in the Paseo Santa Fe District, is a privately owned park open to the public. It was dedicated on April 24, 2016. The one acre site is a beautiful place for quiet reflection and contemplation to honor and remember veterans. The “Letters Home” tiles provide a glimpse into young soldiers’ experiences during war. The park is located at S. Santa Fe Avenue near E. Broadway and was constructed by Affirmed Housing and the Pinamonti family.
The park was created by the Pinamonti family to honor Ernie Pinamonti (their son/brother) killed in the Vietnam War. Two of Ernie’s six siblings, Mary Ann and Rico Pinamonti, worked closely with the city after their parents passed away to create a park which honors not only their brother’s heroism and sacrifice, but also that of many others who fought and died in the war.
A bronze statue of Ernie by a reflecting pond reading a letter from home serves as the centerpiece of the Veterans Memorial Park. Oregon sculptor Rip Caswell created the statue using photos of Ernie to create his likeness. Large tiles engraved with moving letters by Ernie and other soldiers surround the statue. The park also includes a children’s play area.
