1 00:05:01,740 --> 00:05:08,440 Sir, nice, all we got. 2-2, one, two, two. 2 00:11:06,660 --> 00:11:09,460 . . 3 00:11:17,940 --> 00:11:20,480 . . . . 4 00:16:00,370 --> 00:16:03,090 Straight down, we've got to repeat, they're good. 5 00:38:42,510 --> 00:38:48,950 Good afternoon, everybody. If I could ask everyone to please take a seat. I'm going to get started here in just a moment. 6 00:39:14,440 --> 00:39:36,980 Well, good afternoon, everybody. Distinguished guests, families, community members, and most importantly, the honored veterans that we have in the audience. Welcome to West Lake Village. We appreciate you being here. My name is Rob DeGose. I'm the city manager for West Lake Village. It's a special day today. And we're really grateful that you have joined us here for the dedication 7 00:39:36,980 --> 00:39:39,660 of the veterans on a tree that's right behind us. 8 00:39:40,460 --> 00:39:44,560 It's my pleasure to introduce our MC this evening, 9 00:39:44,900 --> 00:39:48,220 and that is our Mayor Pro Tem Brad Helpen, Brad. 10 00:39:55,140 --> 00:39:59,680 You know, 250 years ago today, not much happened. 11 00:40:00,370 --> 00:40:30,110 250 years plus nine days, we all know what happened, but today, today is a big day for our city. If you want to know more about this, I just want to point out over there is a plaque that explains all of the significance, and when you read it you're going to find out the deeper meaning. Today we gather with gratitude respect and pride as we dedicate our veterans' honor tree to the brave veterans, the veterans 12 00:40:30,110 --> 00:40:32,950 men and women, past, present, and future. 13 00:40:33,910 --> 00:40:35,510 In the United States Armed Forces, 14 00:40:35,890 --> 00:40:38,010 their courage, sacrifice, and commitment 15 00:40:38,010 --> 00:40:40,510 to protecting our freedoms have helped shape 16 00:40:40,510 --> 00:40:42,070 the nation we cherish today. 17 00:40:42,990 --> 00:40:45,490 Before we begin, I'd like to acknowledge 18 00:40:45,490 --> 00:40:47,430 some distinguished guests sitting here today 19 00:40:47,430 --> 00:40:49,570 and dignitaries who've joined us. 20 00:40:50,310 --> 00:40:52,330 Please hold your applause till the end. 21 00:40:53,210 --> 00:40:56,370 We have our city council that made this possible. 22 00:40:56,370 --> 00:41:04,570 We have Council Member Ray Pearl, Council Member Kelly Honeg, Council Member Ned Davis. 23 00:41:05,570 --> 00:41:11,910 We have our veterans advisory committee members, Michael Edelstein, Stone Halpern, Samuel 24 00:41:11,910 --> 00:41:13,790 Simmons, and Todd Zink. 25 00:41:15,720 --> 00:41:19,970 Of our staff, we have our city manager that you just saw up here, Rob DeGose, 26 00:41:23,050 --> 00:41:26,350 assistant 27 00:41:26,350 --> 00:41:27,990 City Clerk and Twinnett Mann. 28 00:41:29,530 --> 00:41:33,770 We have from Assembly Member Jackie Irwin's office, 29 00:41:33,970 --> 00:41:36,050 Ryan Valencia and Nancy Frawley. 30 00:41:36,750 --> 00:41:39,270 Representing Supervisor Lindy Horvath's office, 31 00:41:39,510 --> 00:41:42,130 Danielle Vicente, Tracy Cooper Harris. 32 00:41:43,350 --> 00:41:46,670 From the City of Agura Hills, Council Member Penny Sylvester, 33 00:41:47,470 --> 00:41:48,730 City Manager Nate Hamburger. 34 00:41:50,190 --> 00:41:52,830 City of Hidden Hills, Council Member Enrico Gold. 35 00:41:53,730 --> 00:42:00,370 Loss Virginis Unified School District Board Member Linda Manges, Superintendent Dan Stepanowski. 36 00:42:01,990 --> 00:42:05,970 Loss Virginis Malibu Kog, Executive Director Terry Dippel. 37 00:42:06,930 --> 00:42:10,690 Kineho Valley Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Danielle Borja. 38 00:42:11,870 --> 00:42:16,830 Our partners in this project, Jack Kiesel, of Kiesel Designs. 39 00:42:16,830 --> 00:42:23,150 Michael Sanchez, Kiesel Designs and Artists for the Honor Tree, Rob Jobson, Forsyte Designs 40 00:42:23,150 --> 00:42:31,730 and Artists for the Fabricator for the Honor Tree. Also, I would like to also welcome our brand 41 00:42:31,730 --> 00:42:41,050 new captain of our fire station, station 144. Paco, I can't pronounce you like Lomelli. So, 42 00:42:41,050 --> 00:42:43,390 Glad to have you here. Welcome to our city. 43 00:42:48,670 --> 00:42:54,890 First responders from Los Angeles Sheriff's Department in Los Angeles County Fire Department, many who were veterans have joined us today. 44 00:42:55,470 --> 00:43:05,330 We are honored to have the Marine Corps League Color Guard, Chaplin and Lieutenant Commander from United States Navy Reserves as a part of our program today. 45 00:43:06,190 --> 00:43:12,190 Now, let us take a moment, reflect on the bravery of those who wear our nation's uniform, 46 00:43:12,810 --> 00:43:17,010 the families who support them, and the fallen heroes who gave their lives in defense 47 00:43:17,010 --> 00:43:17,710 of our country. 48 00:43:18,530 --> 00:43:21,450 To all veterans here today, thank you. 49 00:43:22,030 --> 00:43:24,230 We are deeply grateful for your service. 50 00:43:24,890 --> 00:43:27,890 Please stand and be recognized for a round of applause. 51 00:43:30,030 --> 00:43:31,350 Look at that. 52 00:43:31,910 --> 00:43:32,570 Look at that. 53 00:43:40,460 --> 00:43:42,120 Look at that. 54 00:43:42,120 --> 00:43:48,860 from the President, Ronald Reagan, detachment, number 597, Marine Corps League to present the colors. 55 00:44:11,110 --> 00:44:12,750 Mark, Mark, 56 00:44:15,920 --> 00:44:20,000 Peter, Paul, the face, 57 00:44:24,140 --> 00:44:25,640 Richard, Paul. 58 00:44:49,480 --> 00:44:51,940 You are all in for a real treat. 59 00:44:52,280 --> 00:44:57,440 I would like to invite Camilla Ipsin, a local Wesley Village young resident to sing our national anthem. 60 00:45:09,140 --> 00:45:12,300 So say, can you see, 61 00:45:14,720 --> 00:45:19,500 on the early light, what's so proud 62 00:45:22,630 --> 00:45:32,090 at the twilight's last gleaming? Who's brought stripes and bright starlit 63 00:45:35,100 --> 00:45:38,580 as fight? Or the river 64 00:45:41,650 --> 00:45:46,330 so gallantly streaming as 65 00:46:04,120 --> 00:46:05,160 still there? 66 00:46:33,930 --> 00:46:41,510 Kamehla, please remain standing. Put your hand over your heart and join me in the 67 00:46:41,510 --> 00:46:46,870 Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of 68 00:46:46,870 --> 00:46:54,130 America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible 69 00:46:54,130 --> 00:46:58,490 with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. You may be seated. 70 00:47:52,100 --> 00:47:53,560 Our first speaker, 71 00:47:53,560 --> 00:48:11,580 It's you may know him. It's my honor to invite a member of West Lake Village City Council, Council Member Ray Pearl to the podium and while he's coming up here, this was his idea. He brought the idea of doing a veteran's memorial to our city and look at it several years later. 72 00:48:15,640 --> 00:48:16,180 Ray 73 00:48:18,420 --> 00:48:21,440 is a veteran former lieutenant in the United States Navy. 74 00:48:21,900 --> 00:48:25,560 We are honored to see his idea and vision achieved with this sculpture. 75 00:48:25,940 --> 00:48:27,420 Please welcome Ray Pearl. 76 00:48:32,900 --> 00:48:34,640 Thank you, Brad, and good evening everyone. 77 00:48:35,600 --> 00:48:40,720 As Brad said, I'm Councilmember Ray Pearl and also a former lieutenant in the United States Navy. 78 00:48:41,240 --> 00:48:45,860 I want to thank all of you for being here today, especially our veterans and their families. 79 00:48:47,060 --> 00:48:55,060 Today we gathered to dedicate this veteran's honor tree a powerful symbol of service, sacrifice, and community. 80 00:48:55,760 --> 00:48:59,420 But to get to today our city has taken a long and deliberate road. 81 00:49:00,080 --> 00:49:10,280 One of the key components of attempting to represent your community as an elected official is walking door to door and having real conversations with the people you hope to represent. 82 00:49:11,120 --> 00:49:15,480 When I first ran for City Council in 2018, I did just that. 83 00:49:16,300 --> 00:49:21,940 And it was in those conversations, and especially memorable one, with an Army veteran who lived 84 00:49:21,940 --> 00:49:28,200 in Oak Forest, who when he found out I was a veteran invited me into his home, that the 85 00:49:28,200 --> 00:49:33,860 idea of one day our city honoring our veterans in a big and public way began to take hold. 86 00:49:34,820 --> 00:49:40,160 But as you quickly learn as a council member that it takes four others to turn an idea 87 00:49:40,160 --> 00:49:46,380 India, into a vision and then a goal and ultimately a successful project. 88 00:49:47,320 --> 00:49:52,720 To my colleagues who heard me and embraced this concept, I say thank you. 89 00:49:53,120 --> 00:49:57,580 I am humbled to be here today and truly honored to share this with all of you. 90 00:50:00,000 --> 00:50:27,900 To our city manager and our dedicated city staff, the idea is maybe one thing but the execution is arguably more important. I am proud to stand here representing all of you with my heartfelt gratitude. And finally to my fellow veterans who joined us on the city's ad hoc committee helping us bring all of this to reality. I salute you all and I thank you for your service not only to our country but to your city. 91 00:50:29,040 --> 00:50:33,480 As a former naval officer, I know that military service is about something larger than 92 00:50:33,480 --> 00:50:33,940 ourselves. 93 00:50:34,760 --> 00:50:40,920 It is a commitment to stand watch, to answer the call, and to serve a cause greater than 94 00:50:40,920 --> 00:50:41,620 our own interests. 95 00:50:42,820 --> 00:50:48,600 That commitment is shared by generations of veterans whose lives and stories are represented 96 00:50:48,600 --> 00:50:49,460 by this culture. 97 00:50:50,640 --> 00:50:53,480 For me, this dedication is also deeply personal. 98 00:50:53,480 --> 00:50:59,180 My father served a career in the United States Air Force and is a Vietnam veteran. 99 00:51:00,440 --> 00:51:08,440 Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the values of military service, duty, integrity, humility, 100 00:51:08,840 --> 00:51:09,780 and perseverance. 101 00:51:10,840 --> 00:51:15,180 Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my own life and public service. 102 00:51:16,640 --> 00:51:18,360 The tree is a fitting tribute. 103 00:51:19,000 --> 00:51:24,580 like a tree our veterans have deep roots in our community and are based with 104 00:51:24,580 --> 00:51:31,000 courage and sacrifice. Its branches remind us of the many paths of service 105 00:51:31,000 --> 00:51:36,680 represented by those who choose to wear our nation's uniform and just as the 106 00:51:36,680 --> 00:51:40,900 tree provide shelter and strength to a community our veterans have helped 107 00:51:40,900 --> 00:51:47,240 protect the freedoms and opportunities that we enjoy every day. The City of 108 00:51:47,240 --> 00:51:52,520 Wesley Village takes great pride in being a community built on kindness and service to others. 109 00:51:53,540 --> 00:51:56,940 Those values are not separate from the ideals of military service. 110 00:51:57,720 --> 00:51:59,520 They are actually reflections of them. 111 00:52:00,700 --> 00:52:10,600 Every act of kindness, every neighbor helping a neighbor, and every citizen who steps forward to serve strengthens the community that we all share. 112 00:52:11,380 --> 00:52:17,820 May this veteran's honor tree stand as a permanent place of remembrance, gratitude, and 113 00:52:17,820 --> 00:52:18,480 inspiration. 114 00:52:19,360 --> 00:52:25,780 May it remind us to honor those who have served, to support those who continue to serve, 115 00:52:26,200 --> 00:52:30,540 and live lives worthy of the sacrifices made on our behalf. 116 00:52:31,640 --> 00:52:38,020 I want to thank you all for being here again, and I want to thank our veterans and especially 117 00:52:38,020 --> 00:52:41,720 their families for all of their service and their sacrifice. 118 00:52:42,420 --> 00:52:42,880 Thank you. 119 00:52:54,320 --> 00:52:55,100 Thank you, Ray. 120 00:52:55,440 --> 00:52:56,480 Now, get comfortable. 121 00:52:57,220 --> 00:53:01,340 To read, start to finish the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, if we have 122 00:53:01,340 --> 00:53:01,560 time. 123 00:53:01,560 --> 00:53:02,600 Maybe the Magna Carta. 124 00:53:04,220 --> 00:53:05,280 I was hoping for a bigger laugh. 125 00:53:06,580 --> 00:53:08,560 Welcome, our Mayor, Sue McSweeney. 126 00:53:12,470 --> 00:53:13,010 Good afternoon. 127 00:53:13,590 --> 00:53:18,370 I'm here as a proud daughter of a veteran. 128 00:53:18,370 --> 00:53:30,330 and as a proud member of a community that doesn't forget that remembers people's sacrifice 129 00:53:30,330 --> 00:53:38,530 long after they're gone and thinks about people that are doing that even today. 130 00:53:38,910 --> 00:53:45,590 They're signing up and giving over their time and their talents to serve our country. 131 00:53:46,390 --> 00:53:56,790 Today, in honor of my dad, who was a B-25 bomber pilot during World War II, I brought 132 00:53:56,790 --> 00:54:01,530 his scarf that he wore in every mission, he flew 25 missions. 133 00:54:02,710 --> 00:54:07,610 Never really talked about it because the greatest generation I don't think they did. 134 00:54:07,750 --> 00:54:12,730 They were just happy that they got to come home and to talk about it would have felt like 135 00:54:12,730 --> 00:54:15,750 they were bragging for the people that lost their lives. 136 00:54:18,140 --> 00:54:24,080 So I just can't tell you how proud I am that this is something that our council and 137 00:54:24,080 --> 00:54:27,160 our community decided to put together. 138 00:54:28,700 --> 00:54:33,380 I just don't think people in the service get the credit, they deserve. 139 00:54:34,860 --> 00:54:36,440 Ray your speech was beautiful. 140 00:54:39,580 --> 00:54:56,320 This is what the West Lake Village is all about and that's what I think we're all about today and that is the people that we want are young people to look up to the people that care about other people in their country and care about service. 141 00:54:57,020 --> 00:54:59,980 So I'm now it's my honor to enter. 142 00:55:00,000 --> 00:55:24,200 Introduce the next speaker. And that speaker is Todd Zink. And I want to tell you a little bit about how Todd's involved. He assisted the city staff with the on a tree. And he was on the Veterans Advisory Committee with four other West Lake Village Veterans. 143 00:55:26,240 --> 00:55:29,060 Todd was a member of the Marine Corps. 144 00:55:29,060 --> 00:55:30,240 And 145 00:55:32,510 --> 00:56:02,410 he served on this committee with Mike Edelstein from the Navy, Samuel Simmons from the Navy also, and our own Stone Halfern who served with the United States Coast Guard and maybe related to someone that's here tonight, or a few some, some ones they actually made a lot of decisions about what they wanted on this tree, which we really 146 00:56:03,210 --> 00:56:10,350 that was great. Their perspective and input was vital in the design process and they 147 00:56:10,350 --> 00:56:17,410 ensured that we truly honored everything that they talked about and I think that they 148 00:56:17,410 --> 00:56:24,450 came up with a beautiful design. Todd's going to be our next speaker so Todd, if you'd come 149 00:56:24,450 --> 00:56:31,150 up and tell us a little bit more about yourself and your experience on the committee. 150 00:56:38,540 --> 00:56:42,120 Well, again, my name is Todd Zank, I was a Marine for 30 years. 151 00:56:42,420 --> 00:56:47,400 I am a long time resident of West Lake Village, of 20 years. 152 00:56:47,460 --> 00:56:56,840 I raised both my sons here and I am absolutely honored to have been invited to be part of this Veteran ad hoc committee and 153 00:56:56,840 --> 00:57:03,920 to be able to speak to you for a few minutes here today as to the meaning of this Veteran Honor tree behind me. 154 00:57:03,920 --> 00:57:12,920 So, first off, this wasn't a quick process, and so it took a lot of collaboration with 155 00:57:12,920 --> 00:57:19,060 many different people over a couple years, and it was very thoughtfully done, and it 156 00:57:19,060 --> 00:57:25,120 makes me very proud as a resident of this city to be living here, where people take 157 00:57:25,120 --> 00:57:31,360 such care to honor veterans in the past, the present, and in the future. 158 00:57:32,020 --> 00:57:36,720 So again, I would like to just give out my thanks, my personal thanks to the city, particularly 159 00:57:36,720 --> 00:57:42,300 Rob and your efforts, sort of at the key of this keystone of all this, the city council, 160 00:57:42,780 --> 00:57:47,440 in its entirety, but particularly Ray Pearl and Brad Halpern, who also sat on the committee 161 00:57:47,440 --> 00:57:49,000 with me and the other veterans. 162 00:57:49,780 --> 00:57:56,400 And I will re-recognize my long-term friend, Dr. Michael Edelstein, who he and I drove back 163 00:57:56,400 --> 00:57:57,360 and forth to the meetings. 164 00:57:57,960 --> 00:58:06,360 And I know Stone would like to have been here, but he represents the U.S. Coast Guard and Sam, who also represents the Navy. 165 00:58:07,200 --> 00:58:13,420 But like many of the speakers before you, I come from a military background. 166 00:58:13,620 --> 00:58:18,020 My father served in the Army for 25 years, the two tours in Vietnam. 167 00:58:18,020 --> 00:58:22,640 So I was known as an Army brat, and I traveled all over the country. 168 00:58:24,180 --> 00:58:37,460 But I remember about two years ago when I was invited by Antoinette to be a member of this committee and I came into Rob's office and I didn't know what to expect, but I was excited that the city was getting behind this idea. 169 00:58:38,340 --> 00:58:43,100 And he showed me this little model made out of wood of what you see behind me. 170 00:58:44,020 --> 00:58:50,940 And I was really genuinely moved by the design, the concept, the thoughtfulness, 171 00:58:50,940 --> 00:58:57,020 This, the symbolism of a tree of life, a liberty tree if you want to call it, representing 172 00:58:57,020 --> 00:59:03,600 service in the military, where all branches, now all six branches are one. 173 00:59:04,420 --> 00:59:09,140 So I do want to put out a special recognition because I think the idea deserves credit and 174 00:59:09,140 --> 00:59:15,740 that would be Michael Sanchez and I believe Ron Jopson, I was really taken and it really 175 00:59:15,740 --> 00:59:17,480 moved me throughout this whole experience. 176 00:59:18,040 --> 00:59:22,320 Now, I'm going to briefly just comment on three areas of this tree as I saw it as it 177 00:59:22,320 --> 00:59:23,020 meant to me. 178 00:59:23,600 --> 00:59:28,540 I'm going to speak about a tree as a sapling, as a young, vulnerable tree. 179 00:59:29,260 --> 00:59:33,300 I'm going to speak about what type of sacrifice it takes to let that tree grow. 180 00:59:34,280 --> 00:59:38,380 And then the continued service moving in the future if we want to see it to continue to grow 181 00:59:38,380 --> 00:59:39,220 higher and higher. 182 00:59:39,980 --> 00:59:43,900 So with that being said, I'll speak about why do I say a sapling? 183 00:59:45,000 --> 00:59:51,360 Well, if we were all here 250 years ago, there would be no tree behind me. 184 00:59:52,320 --> 00:59:58,540 There may just be one of these seeds as you can see on this tree that somehow managed to get find itself in the ground. 185 01:00:00,500 --> 01:00:22,540 And there was just this idea, this good idea of what we call liberty, that was floating around in our colonies, and there were a few brave militiamen in uniform, mountain lexington, the year prior, 77 of them, made a stand against 700 British red coats on the Lexington green. 186 01:00:24,980 --> 01:00:28,900 And those were the first veterans in uniform to fall on our behalf. 187 01:00:29,920 --> 01:00:37,520 And eight of them fell that day, and that was the first blood spilt by any of our veterans. 188 01:00:39,200 --> 01:00:43,600 And that sort of ignited the seed and gave it some life. 189 01:00:44,080 --> 01:00:49,500 What became known as the Spirit of 1776, and the battle cry of those early veterans was 190 01:00:49,500 --> 01:00:56,180 liberty or death, and many more decided to volunteer despite the fact that we were losing some lives. 191 01:00:56,180 --> 01:01:05,220 And because of their willingness to step forward and volunteer, we want our independence against the King. 192 01:01:07,400 --> 01:01:17,640 And it started to take root to allow this new idea of liberty, not just liberty, but really a new order in a new world. 193 01:01:19,700 --> 01:01:25,580 We were going to be out of many one, which is our national model from 1776. 194 01:01:25,580 --> 01:01:32,740 And we were going to be one nation under God, as it says in our pledge, and that we were 195 01:01:32,740 --> 01:01:38,540 going to have each and every one of us inalienable rights that can't be taken away of life liberty 196 01:01:38,540 --> 01:01:39,540 in the pursuit of happiness. 197 01:01:40,980 --> 01:01:47,040 So what were we left with in 1776, but this little sapling that just had taken root because 198 01:01:47,040 --> 01:01:53,320 of some brave militia men who weren't trained, who had to fight a well-trained military and 199 01:01:53,320 --> 01:02:04,120 prevailed. So we have 250 years later. That's a long time. Of that time frame, to allow 200 01:02:04,120 --> 01:02:11,540 this sapling to now grow to 18 feet tall behind me, it took 41 million American citizens 201 01:02:11,540 --> 01:02:18,240 and non-citizens, some of them are non-citizens, who decided to wear the uniform and serve our 202 01:02:18,240 --> 01:02:21,880 our nation over the 251 year, 250 years. 203 01:02:23,060 --> 01:02:26,020 During that time frame, we've been in many wars, many battles, 204 01:02:26,200 --> 01:02:31,740 many conflicts, and we lost 1.2 million while they were 205 01:02:31,740 --> 01:02:34,340 wearing the uniform service to our nation, who paid the 206 01:02:34,340 --> 01:02:38,480 ultimate sacrifice so we can enjoy our freedoms here today. 207 01:02:40,320 --> 01:02:47,280 Now, when I look at this steel sculpture, what moves me a 208 01:02:47,280 --> 01:02:54,880 little bit because of my time in my age was 9-11. The steel kind of reminds me of 209 01:02:54,880 --> 01:02:58,720 what I saw on that fateful day where I literally stayed up for three-day 210 01:02:58,720 --> 01:03:06,340 straight as we were all witnessing that tragedy unfold and the ash falling on 211 01:03:06,340 --> 01:03:13,330 those fallen buildings but today I don't necessarily think of the 212 01:03:13,330 --> 01:03:22,370 structures from 9-11. I think of a new age, a new life, to a new tree where over the last 213 01:03:22,370 --> 01:03:29,290 25 years many other Americans stepped forward and volunteered in service to allow this tree behind 214 01:03:29,290 --> 01:03:33,070 me to continue to grow despite those dark days. 215 01:03:35,730 --> 01:03:38,650 And I would like to say not just continue to grow 216 01:03:38,650 --> 01:03:44,370 and to dust off the shroud of dust that had fallen upon the steel. But now this 217 01:03:44,370 --> 01:03:49,630 steel behind me you won't see it today. There's a brilliant light that shines 218 01:03:49,630 --> 01:03:55,210 within it that illuminates our national colors upon the floor we walk. 219 01:03:57,680 --> 01:03:57,920 Now that 220 01:03:57,920 --> 01:04:04,200 brings me to my last point. So here we are today, 250 years of freedom because of 221 01:04:04,200 --> 01:04:06,860 oftentimes because of people who choose to wear the uniform. 222 01:04:09,160 --> 01:04:10,000 Where do we go from 223 01:04:10,000 --> 01:04:13,380 From now, where will we be in 25 years from today? 224 01:04:14,400 --> 01:04:16,920 Will this tree be bigger, stronger? 225 01:04:18,680 --> 01:04:21,340 Where will we be in 250 years from today? 226 01:04:24,880 --> 01:04:29,360 So every time we come to this place, whether or not you're a veteran or not or you've had 227 01:04:29,360 --> 01:04:34,900 a family member serve in a past war so you admire their service, you should talk about that 228 01:04:34,900 --> 01:04:35,600 while you're here. 229 01:04:36,500 --> 01:04:40,940 You should celebrate and honor their service that we should never take for granted. 230 01:04:41,540 --> 01:04:46,840 But we do that not to brag, not to say, hey, look at me. 231 01:04:47,480 --> 01:04:50,180 We do that to inspire the next one in line. 232 01:04:50,800 --> 01:04:56,700 We do that to inspire the next generation so that they are willing and courageous enough 233 01:04:56,700 --> 01:04:59,960 Like that first eight who died on the battle of 234 01:05:15,380 --> 01:05:29,980 So may this inspire that same spirit of 1776 in the next generation for history will prove that there will be times that will try us. And we will need young men and women in this region. 235 01:05:29,980 --> 01:05:31,980 like that, to serve on our behalf. 236 01:05:33,280 --> 01:05:34,720 So I just leave you with this, 237 01:05:34,760 --> 01:05:37,700 made this honor tree of life and liberty, 238 01:05:38,320 --> 01:05:40,540 continue to grow and glow. 239 01:05:41,180 --> 01:05:42,100 Thank you very much. 240 01:05:54,400 --> 01:05:57,180 Next up, we'd like to have 241 01:05:57,180 --> 01:06:00,740 Chaplain Lieutenant Colonel Brian Lispada 242 01:06:01,700 --> 01:06:03,860 come and join me for some remarks. 243 01:06:08,470 --> 01:06:09,730 Very nice to meet you. 244 01:06:16,410 --> 01:06:16,830 Good evening. 245 01:06:19,490 --> 01:06:21,010 When I was asked to do this, 246 01:06:21,330 --> 01:06:23,630 I told them that I have 45 minutes of material 247 01:06:23,630 --> 01:06:29,550 and they asked me to do it in five so we have a long history my family here in 248 01:06:29,550 --> 01:06:35,530 Westlake my dad was in the Air Force my uncle was in the army Vietnam my grandfather 249 01:06:35,530 --> 01:06:40,270 was in World War II as an army my dad flew in the Air Force and so many 250 01:06:40,270 --> 01:06:45,730 don't know this but Camario Airport used to be Oxnard Air Force Base and so my 251 01:06:45,730 --> 01:06:51,890 dad I was born in Burbank 1971 and so my dad used to fly over Westlake 252 01:06:51,890 --> 01:06:56,610 village is that that's a nice place that's real nice down there so him and my mom they 253 01:06:56,610 --> 01:07:01,630 went and bought a house I think for $40,000 which we could sell today and retire on 254 01:07:01,630 --> 01:07:06,150 I mean it's just amazing but I'm really privileged to be here please forgive me I do not live 255 01:07:06,150 --> 01:07:10,730 in Westlake I actually live in a gory with my beautiful family but I'm working my way back 256 01:07:10,730 --> 01:07:16,070 sometimes that path is hard to get back to Westlake but I've always said that this is one 257 01:07:16,070 --> 01:07:21,970 of the most special places on Earth and when I was a kid, we used to call it the village 258 01:07:22,590 --> 01:07:26,310 because that's really what it felt like. It was a small community of people. It has changed 259 01:07:26,310 --> 01:07:32,230 sense but the sentiment of it being a village is still there and so I really appreciate the 260 01:07:32,230 --> 01:07:38,230 opportunity to be here and share something with you and I just wrote a few things down. 261 01:07:39,670 --> 01:07:47,090 So today, we do gather together to dedicate this Veterans' Honor tree as a visible testimony 262 01:07:47,090 --> 01:07:53,770 to the invisible virtues, the courage, the duty, the sacrifice, and the love of country. 263 01:07:54,650 --> 01:07:59,170 First, remember those who did give the ultimate sacrifice, and for freedom has never been 264 01:07:59,170 --> 01:08:04,370 free, throughout our nation's history brave men and women answered the call of duty, and 265 01:08:04,370 --> 01:08:08,170 And knowing that service might require everything they possessed even their lives. 266 01:08:09,090 --> 01:08:13,710 Some never returned home to their families, and some never saw their children grow, and 267 01:08:13,710 --> 01:08:16,050 some never enjoyed the peace that they fought to preserve. 268 01:08:16,930 --> 01:08:19,910 But we pause today in humble gratitude for those heroes. 269 01:08:20,830 --> 01:08:26,250 Their names may be etched on memorials throughout our country, but more importantly, their sacrifices 270 01:08:26,250 --> 01:08:29,390 etched into our hearts and to the story of our nation. 271 01:08:29,910 --> 01:08:35,090 As it's been said, greater love has no man than this that a man would lay down his life 272 01:08:35,090 --> 01:08:37,730 for his friend and made up his soul. 273 01:08:38,890 --> 01:08:41,850 Second, we honor all those who have served the veterans. 274 01:08:43,090 --> 01:08:47,630 Not every veteran died in battle, but every veteran was willing to put on the uniform and 275 01:08:47,630 --> 01:08:52,310 to put themselves in harm's way for the betterment of their neighbor, for the betterment of 276 01:08:52,310 --> 01:08:52,810 their country. 277 01:08:53,810 --> 01:08:59,030 They left their homes, their families, they left behind birthdays and celebrations of 278 01:08:59,030 --> 01:09:05,350 watching their kids grow, they stood watch while others slept, they trained, they sacrificed, 279 01:09:06,030 --> 01:09:10,030 they endured hardships, and they answered the call whenever their duty needed them. 280 01:09:11,050 --> 01:09:16,450 So today we recognize veterans from every branch, from all six, every generation, every conflict. 281 01:09:17,730 --> 01:09:22,970 Some served during times of war and others during times of peace, but all shared a common commitment 282 01:09:22,970 --> 01:09:25,970 to defend the freedoms that we enjoy. 283 01:09:26,910 --> 01:09:29,330 To our veterans present today, we say thank you. 284 01:09:29,870 --> 01:09:30,870 Thank you for your courage. 285 01:09:31,350 --> 01:09:32,450 Thank you for your service. 286 01:09:32,970 --> 01:09:34,230 And thank you for your example. 287 01:09:35,250 --> 01:09:41,210 Your willingness to stand in harm's way has allowed generations of Americans to pursue their dreams and freedom. 288 01:09:42,030 --> 01:09:48,010 And finally, I want to mention those in the future, the future generation. 289 01:09:49,210 --> 01:09:54,970 Now, I'm 55 years old and I went through what is called Officer Development School of 50. 290 01:09:55,770 --> 01:09:59,190 I went in later in life, it required a lot of waivers to get me in. 291 01:09:59,190 --> 01:09:59,850 Bye. 292 01:10:00,000 --> 01:10:28,600 The pastor of church called Calvary Chapel Malibu in the city of Malibu, and I just, I had the inspiration to go, was raised in a military family, as I already mentioned, but I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself. And by God's amazing grace, He opened that door, and He let me in. And it was a miracle. They said, what are you doing here, you're two, and I got in. But the future generation is what we're passing these things on to. The remembrance of the past is an investment in the future. 293 01:10:28,600 --> 01:10:33,640 Years from now children will walk by this place and they'll ask their parents what does 294 01:10:33,640 --> 01:10:38,660 this mean, what are those names written up there, what is the what is the Air Force do, 295 01:10:38,800 --> 01:10:43,900 what does the Space Force do, who are these people and the answers clear. 296 01:10:44,560 --> 01:10:50,160 They ordinary men and women who did extraordinary things because they love something greater 297 01:10:50,160 --> 01:10:50,940 than themselves. 298 01:10:52,060 --> 01:10:58,280 May this monument teach our children the freedom that carries a cost, that patriotism 299 01:10:58,280 --> 01:11:04,380 requires responsibility and the character does in fact matter, made inspire future generations 300 01:11:04,380 --> 01:11:07,980 to value faith and family, community and country. 301 01:11:09,120 --> 01:11:14,060 Long after we are gone, may this place remind those who come after us that courage is never 302 01:11:14,060 --> 01:11:19,040 outdated, sacrifice is never forgotten, and honor never dies. 303 01:11:19,960 --> 01:11:26,540 So today as we dedicate this Veterans Honor Tree, let us dedicate ourselves to remember the 304 01:11:26,540 --> 01:11:32,880 fallen to honor those who have served and to pass it on to future generations, a legacy 305 01:11:32,880 --> 01:11:34,220 worthy of their sacrifice. 306 01:11:35,420 --> 01:11:39,980 And so, may God bless our veterans, may God comfort the families of the fallen, and may 307 01:11:39,980 --> 01:11:43,160 God continue to bless these United States of America. 308 01:11:43,700 --> 01:11:44,060 Thank you. 309 01:11:56,520 --> 01:12:04,860 Jackie Irwin, our assembly member couldn't be with us this afternoon, so we have somebody 310 01:12:04,860 --> 01:12:09,080 ready representing her, who's going to come up with a say a few words. 311 01:12:11,900 --> 01:12:12,760 Ryan Valencia? 312 01:12:17,450 --> 01:12:17,990 Well, 313 01:12:24,440 --> 01:12:25,300 good afternoon, everyone. 314 01:12:28,320 --> 01:12:31,220 Thank you so much for having us. The assembly member 315 01:12:31,220 --> 01:12:37,280 does apologize for not being here. Sacramento did keep her late, so she's delayed this evening, 316 01:12:37,860 --> 01:12:44,440 but I'm proud to speak on her behalf, not only as her district director, but additionally, 317 01:12:44,440 --> 01:13:09,400 as somebody currently serving, in just three days we'll mark my fifth year serving in the Army National Guard previously as an infantryman and I'm continuing another five years per my extension as an infantry officer with some of our great gentlemen out in Palmdale, so very, very proud of that. 318 01:13:10,680 --> 01:13:16,460 The Assemblymember just deeply appreciates this recognition of our servicemen and women. 319 01:13:17,520 --> 01:13:21,300 She has served this community for the last 12 years, proudly. 320 01:13:21,580 --> 01:13:25,520 We are sad to leave the legislature at the end of the year. 321 01:13:26,040 --> 01:13:31,140 But additionally, just as eight years, she got to serve as the chair of military and veterans affairs. 322 01:13:31,440 --> 01:13:35,320 It was a job that she was extremely proud to hold. 323 01:13:35,320 --> 01:13:42,040 So, this is an issue very near to endear to her, but additionally to myself. 324 01:13:42,300 --> 01:14:00,800 So, I will make these remarks on her behalf and say that good evening, and thank you to the city of West Lake Village and its Veterans Advisory Committee for inviting us to join you all for this special day as we dedicate this honor tree to our service members of past and present. 325 01:14:00,800 --> 01:14:09,220 As you all are well aware, this dedication lands during an important anniversary for our nation, our 250th. 326 01:14:09,460 --> 01:14:16,080 This important milestone of America's independence, when 56 delegates to the second Continental Congress signed our declaration, 327 01:14:16,600 --> 01:14:20,680 reflects much more than just that document. It reflects sacrifice. 328 01:14:21,500 --> 01:14:29,940 We cannot forget that stating that our nation was free from the crown, that all involved from the founding fathers to the brothers and 329 01:14:29,940 --> 01:14:35,700 arms were guilty of the highest treason, punishable by torture and death. 330 01:14:36,520 --> 01:14:42,060 It was one aspect to declare our independence, but another one was to defend it. 331 01:14:42,660 --> 01:14:49,120 Just last year, we celebrated another 250th anniversary, that of the United States Army, 332 01:14:49,780 --> 01:14:56,440 created on June 14, 1775 with General George Washington at its head for our common defense. 333 01:14:57,340 --> 01:14:59,320 in his ask for his men to 334 01:15:00,000 --> 01:15:29,980 Justice, the winter of the next year, General Washington expressed his understanding of all that they have put at stake in the war. Their wives, their houses, and all they held dear. But said, if you will consent to stay one month longer, you will render that service to the cause of liberty and to your country, which you probably can never do under any circumstance. Every soldier, sailor, marine, 335 01:15:29,980 --> 01:15:36,040 mean, Coast Guardsmen, Airmen and Guardian has understood the sacrifice upon joining our 336 01:15:36,040 --> 01:15:37,000 military ranks. 337 01:15:38,050 --> 01:15:45,060 In this honor tree, we see the mission scope spread as the branches grew beyond 7075, 338 01:15:45,800 --> 01:15:52,160 whether by land, air, or sea, generations of brave Americans have answered that call of 339 01:15:52,160 --> 01:15:53,380 something bigger than themselves. 340 01:15:54,400 --> 01:15:58,420 And for that we say thank you to all who have rendered your service to the cause of liberty 341 01:15:58,420 --> 01:16:02,700 and to your country knowing all at stake. 342 01:16:03,600 --> 01:16:05,140 And to our military families, 343 01:16:05,920 --> 01:16:08,120 may we never forget your own sacrifice. 344 01:16:09,420 --> 01:16:13,580 As you've kissed your service member, goodbye, or welcome home. 345 01:16:14,620 --> 01:16:17,680 May we honor all past, present, and future. 346 01:16:19,160 --> 01:16:23,240 So with that, we did have some certificates that I'll leave here for 347 01:16:23,640 --> 01:16:28,100 Ron, for Michael, for the city, for advisory committee to thank you for that. 348 01:16:28,100 --> 01:16:29,480 That I'll just read just a little pass it. 349 01:16:31,930 --> 01:16:34,910 And that is on behalf of Assembly Member Erwin. 350 01:16:35,390 --> 01:16:39,510 Congratulations on the dedication of the city of West Lake Village's honor tree, 351 01:16:40,130 --> 01:16:42,590 recognizing our service members of past, present, and future. 352 01:16:43,030 --> 01:16:47,390 Thank you for your contributions to our men and women in uniform and their families. 353 01:16:47,930 --> 01:16:50,730 Our community is stronger because of the support and 354 01:16:50,730 --> 01:16:54,090 commemoration you have given our troops with this project. 355 01:16:54,850 --> 01:16:58,090 So thank you so much for having us and very much appreciated. 356 01:17:11,600 --> 01:17:12,320 So 357 01:17:17,880 --> 01:17:19,480 for our closing remarks, 358 01:17:21,940 --> 01:17:27,080 I just want to say our veterans' honor tree sculpture is our 359 01:17:27,080 --> 01:17:31,780 lasting expression of gratitude to recognize the service of our veterans. 360 01:17:32,280 --> 01:17:37,600 Remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, those who will join the armed forces in the future. 361 01:17:38,140 --> 01:17:42,940 This veterans' honor tree sculpture allows us to reaffirm our commitment to honoring their 362 01:17:42,940 --> 01:17:45,020 legacy for generations to come. 363 01:17:46,560 --> 01:17:53,880 And as we come to a close of today's dedication ceremony, let us take with us a renewed sense 364 01:17:53,880 --> 01:18:00,500 of gratitude for the veterans who service and sacrifice have made this day possible. 365 01:18:01,000 --> 01:18:10,700 And I'd also like to add that the people that are still striving to make our ideals stay 366 01:18:11,800 --> 01:18:19,060 important and stay something that everybody appreciates. I'd also like to see if we have 367 01:18:19,060 --> 01:18:30,100 a few veterans that are in uniform but not Army Navy Air Force or Coast Guard. Do we have 368 01:18:30,100 --> 01:18:34,940 a few of those from 144? Stand up Paco. 369 01:18:37,340 --> 01:18:41,560 This is one of our new captains at our local station 370 01:18:41,560 --> 01:18:45,560 in 144, who also happens to be a veteran. 371 01:18:46,900 --> 01:18:48,200 What branch of the service? 372 01:18:49,700 --> 01:18:52,740 Oh, wow, semper fee. 373 01:18:54,140 --> 01:18:58,660 And do we have anybody from the Sheriff's Department today representing it? 374 01:18:59,000 --> 01:19:00,660 Oh, thank you very much. 375 01:19:01,640 --> 01:19:05,280 Can we have everybody stand, can you stand with them? 376 01:19:05,280 --> 01:19:12,980 We know that the service that you do is just a continuation of what you did for our 377 01:19:12,980 --> 01:19:13,340 country. 378 01:19:13,680 --> 01:19:18,960 Now you're doing it directly in our community, and we can't tell you how much we appreciate 379 01:19:18,960 --> 01:19:19,440 that. 380 01:19:19,740 --> 01:19:21,040 So thank you very much. 381 01:19:24,910 --> 01:19:33,430 And I want to quote President John F. Kennedy, who was a Navy veteran, and say, as we express 382 01:19:33,430 --> 01:19:39,710 our gratitude we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, 383 01:19:40,510 --> 01:19:47,510 but to live by them and hopefully that's what all of us will take away from this dedication 384 01:19:47,510 --> 01:19:53,470 that we're going to live by these ideals and by the oath that so many of our forefathers and 385 01:19:53,470 --> 01:19:59,550 the people in the future are going to take. Thanks very much and now I think we have some refreshments. 386 01:20:07,470 --> 01:20:07,990 Okay.