San Joaquin County to Dedicate California Gold Star Memorial Monument on May 23, 2025

The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors held a poignant meeting on May 13, 2025, dedicated to honoring military service members and their families. The gathering began with an invocation led by Dave Madura, who expressed gratitude for the sacrifices made by veterans and their families. This set a reflective tone for the meeting, which included a musical tribute by Oscar Buddy Estol playing the bagpipes and a heartfelt rendition of the national anthem by Vanessa Minor.

A significant highlight of the meeting was the proclamation recognizing the upcoming dedication of the California Gold Star Memorial Monument, scheduled for May 23, 2025, at the Richard A. Pittman VA Clinic in French Camp. This monument aims to honor Gold Star families—those who have lost loved ones in military service—by providing a permanent place of reflection and remembrance. Michael Anderson, Chief of Staff for District 1 and a Gold Star parent, along with Julia Conover, a Gold Star mother, spoke about the four-year journey to bring this monument to fruition. They emphasized the community's role in supporting this initiative through fundraising and collaboration.

The Board of Supervisors expressed their deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by military families, with Chair Canessa and other supervisors acknowledging the emotional weight of the project. The monument is designed to serve as a tribute not only to fallen heroes but also to the resilience of their families, ensuring that their sacrifices are remembered and honored.

In addition to the monument's dedication, the meeting featured recognitions of several local veterans for their service and contributions to the community. Notable honorees included Sergeant Paul Pareles of the Marine Corps and Specialist Jeffrey Axland of the Army, both of whom have made significant impacts through their military service and ongoing community involvement.

The meeting concluded with a call for unity and remembrance, reinforcing the message that freedom is preserved through the sacrifices of brave individuals. The upcoming dedication ceremony is expected to draw community members together in a shared expression of gratitude and respect for those who have served. This event not only marks a milestone for the Gold Star families but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing commitment to honor and support veterans and their families in San Joaquin County.