Dear Patriot,

Our national Memorial Day approaches when we once again affirm our deep love and respect for the innumerable service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice for duty, honor and country. Called to be part of something greater than themselves, these were ordinary people who rose to that call because they wanted to protect the country that had given them – has given all of us – so much.

Please join the many community members and military groups who will participate in our Memorial Day Observance ceremony at 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 28^th, at Memorial Park. Your supportive presence will be greatly appreciated as we unveil 140 newly added names on the Wall South Vietnam Memorial in recognition of those honored U.S. casualties of the war.  

I also want to thank you for your continued support of our mission to honor the fallen. It is our country’s eternal responsibility to honor and remember those who have joined each harrowing battle on our behalf. The Veterans Memorial Park was created to provide a place of quiet repose in which to remember and reflect on these heroes, and to offer an educational venue for the community, particularly for our youth. Here, young people can feel in touch with this critical part of their heritage, for in its deeply moving depictions of perseverance and sacrifice, the Park makes vivid how our duty to preserve our freedoms sometimes requires all that we have to give.

Our commitment to this mission is absolute, but we cannot do it without your support.

You may not be aware that Memorial Park was made possible by local Veterans through private contributions, or that its custodial care is charged to our volunteer Foundation through a license agreement with the city of Pensacola. Unlike other city park facilities, the Foundation does not receive public or tax-payer funds. Instead, it relies solely on the private donations of organizations and citizens such as you for its annual operations. We want to encourage you to donate to our mission, which is to ensure that all operating, maintenance and improvement requirements for Memorial Park are met, and all expenses are covered.

Thank you for your ongoing concern and respect for America’s Veterans, and I look forward to seeing you at our Memorial Day Observance on May 28^th.

Sincerely,

Captain Butch Hansen, USN ret.