The following was submitted by Hollister Mayor Brian Conroy and
is the text of a speech he will deliver during the Rededication
Ceremony of the Veterans Memorial Building on Monday, Memorial
Day.
Editor’s Note: The following was submitted by Hollister Mayor Brian Conroy and is the text of a speech he will deliver during the Rededication Ceremony of the Veterans Memorial Building on Monday, Memorial Day.
On this Memorial Day (Monday), we dedicate the newly remodeled Veterans Building in Hollister.
This building was first opened in 1927. This is a day of thought, remembrance, and gratitude for those who have served our country. This is also a day of celebration for our city.
This building is dedicated to all those who have served our country in the many times of need in our past. And while this building will serve those veteran groups within our community, it will also serve, as it has throughout the past, as a place of celebration, as a place for the community to gather, and as a place to showcase what is Hollister. I know that many here today can fondly remember the dances held here during their youth.
The City Council, past and present, who have helped in making this remodel and renovation a reality deserve credit for their dedication to this effort.
Former City Manager George Lewis deserves credit for working to see this project through to completion. Architect David Huboi is to be commended for his efforts in the revitalization of this facility. In a visit to his office, I went through the many pages of blueprints of planned improvements, as well as viewing the original blueprint for the building. His passion, and his vision, of what this building could be, is today a reality. A great deal of hard work and dedication by many has made this dream a reality. We thank all of them.
The remodeled and renovated center will serve as a centerpiece to a revitalized downtown of our future. While many improvements have been made downtown, we have many improvements still to complete and we do have a downtown that we can all be proud of.
On this Memorial Day, we remember those Americans who have served, and in the words of President John F. Kennedy: “Since this country was founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty.”
We must honor those of each generation who have given to protect our democracy.
The price of freedom has never been cheap, and none have paid more dearly for it than the millions of patriotic men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform to preserve our freedom, to defend our constitution and the American way of life.
We remember on this Memorial Day the hardships and sacrifices made by those millions who served and the sacrifices of their families as well.
We want the survivors to know that their service is not forgotten, that we remember that the foundations of our independence, liberty and freedom, were built and preserved by those who have served this nation.
We owe a debt beyond payment to those who have paid the ultimate price, as well as all who have served, for their loyalty to this country. We give our veterans this special day to serve as a reminder that because of them, we can enjoy our freedom, our liberty, and our right to dissent.
This building is dedicated to those who served this nation, and I am proud to be a part of the rededication of this building that will serve as a reminder to all in our community of those sacrifices made by the many who have served to defend our freedom and liberties, to defend our constitution, and to defend our way of life.
Thank you.
Brian V. Conroy
Mayor, City of Hollister
