VETERANS DAY
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
11 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Cupertino Veterans Memorial
10110 Parkwood Dr.
Cupertino, CA 95014
Honoring All Veterans,
Active Duty Military,
and First Responders
Every November 11th we gather to honor those who have stood up for the freedoms we enjoy every day. Without your sacrifice, we would not exist as the living example of freedom for nations around the world.
INVOCATION
Chaplain Richard Veit
US Army Viet Nam Combat Veteran
NATIONAL ANTHEM
Kennedy Middle School choir
Conducted by Hannah Su
Cupertino School District
WELCOME AND RECOGNITION OF VETERANS
and their Families
John Swensson and Dennis Whittaker
GREETINGS
The Honorable Ling Chao,, PhD
Mayor, City of Cupertino
Ms. Nazy Galoyan,
Dean of Enrollment Service and Veterans, De Anza College
Dr. Omar Torres, Ed D
President, De Anza College
Musical Interlude
“Amazing Grace”
Bag Piper Vince Guinnane
Commander. American Legion Post 642
PRESENTATION
FLOWERS AT THE SCULPTURE OF “THE GUARDIANS”
The Suh Family and the Axelson Family
Music: “When I get Where I’m going.”
Women Veterans
CPT Diane Carlson Evans, ANC
And Founder of the VN Women’s Memorial
PRESENTATION TO
The Honorable Sandy James,
Co-Founder, Cupertino Veterans Memorial &
Former Mayor of Cupertino
FLOWERS PLACED AT THE SCULPTURE OF “THE GUARDIANS”
The Suh Family and the Axelson Family
Music: “When I get where I’m Going”
SPEAKER
Major General Rob Ostenberg, US Army, Ret
Former Commanding General
63rd Readiness Division
SPEAKER
The Honorable Bob Jonsen
Sheriff of Santa Clara County
TAPS
CPT Bill Cohendet, Us Army Veteran
MUSICAL PERFORMANCE
by West Bay Community Band
Conducted by Erinn Washburn
FINAL PRAYER
Chaplain Veit
Thanks to Santa Clara County Sheriff and Central Fire District combined Honor Guard, De Anza Veterans, and Brenn Bolger, PRX Digital, for Marketing Communications
The Cupertino Veterans Memorial will celebrate its 18th year of existence by honoring our nation’s Veterans and First responders on VETERANS DAY, Tuesday 11 Nov at 11 AM at the Cupertino Veterans Memorial, directly across from De Anza College at 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd. Look for the large hook and ladder with the American Flag provided by Central Fire.
The Cupertino Veterans Memorial was the nation’s first memorial to Afghanistan and in bronze depicts Matt Axelson, a Cupertino Native who was killed along with two other SEALS on the ground and James Suh, one of the 16 SEALS and U.S. Army Special Operations soldiers, all of whom were killed when their large Chinook helicopter was shot down by The Taliban. PO2 Marcus Luttrell, USN, was the lone survivor of 20, having been blown over a cliff and hidden by villagers, early in the battle.
Our speakers this year will be Major General Rob Ostenberg; USA, Ret, and The Santa Clara County Sheriff, Bob Jonsen. Sheriff Jonsen’s speaking is particularly appropriate given the CVMs purpose is to honor First Responders along with military veterans. We will also be greeted by the new President of De Anza College, Dr. Omar Torres.
Music will be provided by West Bay Community Band and the Kennedy Middle School Choir. CPT Bill Cohendet wil play Taps at the conclusion of the ceremony. De Anza Veterans will support the festivities.
The Cupertino Veterans Memorial Foundation was formed by Mrs. Donna Axelson, mother of Matt and the Honorable Sandy James, former Mayor of Cupertino. The Foundation supports NAVY SEALS and approximately 400 De Anza College Veteran students.
Major General Ostenberg was commissioned from Officer Candidate School and served 37 years in the Army. He has been awarded the Bronze Star for Valor in Viet Nam along with the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in action. General Ostenberg is also a veteran of Combat in Iraq and Afghanistan when he commanded the 63rd Regional Readiness Command. He spends lots of time in Army hospitals visiting with the troopS.
Sheriff Bob Jonsen is the second person in his family to serve as Sheriff of Santa Clara County. His Great-great Uncle became County Sheriff in 1887. Bob spent 27 years with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department before assuming duties for five years as Chief of Police in Menlo Park. He was then Chief for Palo Alto Police Department from 2018-2022. He was elected Sheriff of Santa Clara County in Dec 2022.
The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office has always been a great supporter of the Cupertino Veterans Memorial and we welcome his appearance and remarks.