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FLAG ONE was raised at Gypsum Canyon in Anaheim Hills to mark the future home of the Orange County Veterans Cemetery site. The bipartisan celebration was led by OC Supervisor Donald P. Wagner, with Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva and Veterans in attendance, to honor the decade-long battle to establish a local Veterans Cemetery. A 60’X30’ American flag was raised on a 100-foot flagpole that towers over the 91 freeway and miles away for all to see.
“Thanks to the great work of so many people here today, Orange County is one step closer to having a Veterans Cemetery to call its own. I’m honored to have led the bipartisan coalition at the County level in collaboration with our Veterans. A year ago, we broke ground for the flagpole and unfurled a large flag. Now, we have a visual testament to this project for miles around — until we get a place of honor and respect for our deserving Veterans,” said Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner.
Supervisor Don Wagner got support at the County level, and Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva led the legislative charge to see through the promise made to our Veterans. The Anaheim Hills location is supported by all 34 OC cities, many Veterans organizations, and the OC Board of Supervisors.
“I am honored to be a part of this day and proud to have successfully moved legislation that authorizes a state veterans cemetery site in Orange County for our Veterans and their families. Honoring and serving Veterans is one of my top priorities, as many members of my family have answered the call to serve. This has been a tremendous team effort and I’m looking forward to the day when we break ground on this amazing project,” said Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva.
The next step is a CalVet Study, for which the Orange County Board of Supervisors allocated $20 million for the study. The Anaheim Hills site is 283-acres; FLAG ONE marks the site and will fly 24/7. The American Flag will be lit up at night for all to see.
The following guests were also in attendance:
- Elaine Brattain, Chaplain of the American Gold Star Mothers leads the Invocation
- U.S. Army Southern California Recruiting Battalion present the colors
- Army Veteran Steve Briggs, Navy Veteran Bobby McDonald Lead the Pledge
- Jennifer Sundell leads the National Anthem
- Nick Berardino, President of Veterans Alliance of Orange County
- Bill Cook, Chairman of the OC Veterans Memorial Park Foundation
