VETERANS DAY
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
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.
POSTING OF COLORS
SCC Sheriff’s and Fire Fighters Combined Color Guard
NATIONAL ANTHEM
Choir from the John F. Kennedy Middle School
Conducted by Hannah Sun
INVOCATION
Chaplain Richard Veit
US Army Vietnam Combat Veteran
WELCOME AND RECOGNITION OF VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES
John Swensson and Dennis Whittaker
GREETINGS
Dr. Lee Lambert, PhD.
Chancellor, Foothill-DeAnza Community College District
The Honorable Kitty Moore
Mayor, City of Cupertino
Who will also accept the Memorial from Hon Sandy James, former Mayor of Cupertino, assisted by Hon Francis J. Harvey, 19th Secretary of the Army
MUSICAL INTERLUDE
“Amazing Grace”
Bagpiper Vince Guinnane
SPEAKERS
Rear Admiral John Bitoff, USN, Ret.
“Profiles in Courage”
MAJ GEN Stephen Hager
“Impact of Vietnam on the US military”
FLOWERS PLACED AT THE SCULPTURE OF “THE GUARDIANS”
The Axelson Family
Music: “When I get where I’m Going”
CLOSING REMARKS & PLAQUE PRESENTATIONS
The Honorable Patrick Ahrens
State of CA Assembly
TAPS
SGT Sam Grinels , USMC Ret
Followed by the Recovery of Flags and a march to the VN Memorial Wall led by former Navy SEAL Alan Hoefer, Admiral Bitoff, MG Hager, and Dennis Whittaker representing VN Veterans
– ALL ATTENDEES ARE WELCOME TO JOIN –
MUSICAL PERFORMANCE
By West Bay Community Band
Conducted by Erinn Washburn
Thanks to Santa Clara County Sheriff and Central Fire District Combined Honor Guard, Mike Hennessy, De Anza Veterans and Brenna Bolger, PRXDigital, and Sal Pizarro