A Veterans Day gathering at the Danville Veterans Memorial Building brought together veterans, military families, local history groups and community members to share stories and recognize the people who have served.
Photo Caption : Charles and Jim Murphy
Earlier in the day, Jim Murphy and Charles spoke with people at Lunardi’s about the meaning of Veterans Day. At the memorial building, visitors met Blue Star Mother Janine Collins, whose son, Andrew Lappins, is serving in the Army. Collins explained the distinction between Blue Star families, who have a loved one currently serving, and Gold Star families, who have lost a loved one in military service.
Photo Caption : Marcia Estrella and Stephanie Hichcock (Daughters of American Revolution)
The event also introduced visitors to the Daughters of the American Revolution. Members Marcia Estrella and Stephanie Hichcock said their ancestors were involved in the American Revolution. The organization, along with the Sons of the American Revolution, documents members’ family histories and connections to the Revolution. Estrella and Hichcock said researching and verifying those connections can take about six months—a process that helps preserve family histories and pass stories on to future generations.
The Sons of the American Revolution also had a presence at the event, though time constraints prevented an interview with its members.
Organizer Bob Sada described the work behind preparing the gathering. “This place yesterday would have been unrecognizable,” Sada said.
Photo caption: Bob Sada, Martha Grajeda and Ian Smith of the East Bay Community Foundation.
Photo Caption : David Nielson
Space exploration was another point of interest. David Nielson, a space enthusiast and Lego builder, displayed Lego replicas of rockets. Nielson said he has built space-themed Lego models for years and has taken part in Danville’s Veterans Day event for the past four years. He also planned to display the models at the USS Hornet in Alameda the following day. What began as a personal passion has become a way to engage and educate visitors.
Two veterans who have written books also shared their work. One, Terence, displayed copies of his book, Where the Wildflowers Bloom, and signed a copy purchased at the event.
From military family stories and Revolutionary-era ancestry to Lego rockets and veterans’ books, the gathering offered visitors many ways to learn about service, history and the people who keep those stories alive.
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