VA Menlo Park 100 Centennial celebration: A resounding success with over 750 attendees

Print

Esteemed guests Congresswoman Anna Eshoo and a representative from the Office of Congressman Kevin Mullin presented commendations to the health care system, while two Veterans expressed their deep gratitude as they shared their life-changing experiences on the VA Menlo Park campus.

The picturesque grounds of VA Menlo Park provided the ideal backdrop for this historic occasion, with attendees from various walks of life gathering to honor the legacy of a century of commitment to Veterans and their families. The event truly demonstrated the deep appreciation that the community holds for those who have served our nation.

Presentation of colors at the opening ceremony was provided by the U.S. Marine Corps, Headquarters Company, 23rd Regiment, with Songmee Connolly serenading guests with her rendition of the national anthem.

Congresswoman Anna Eshoo’s heartfelt address underscored the importance of honoring Veterans and acknowledged the ongoing efforts to provide support for them and their families. Her participation served as a testament to the significance of the event and its lasting impact on the community.

"I will always work to not only support the VA but all it represents, the Veterans and their families,” said Congresswoman Anna Eshoo. “I believe that every American that has worn a uniform to defend our country should have the health services, the opportunities, and the care that they have really truly earned.”

The celebration offered various activities for all ages to enjoy, including a resource fair, field games, and live music by local band, Crossing Dana. The car show featured an array of over 30 cars and motorcycles. Each vehicle not only represented a piece of history but also symbolized the unwavering spirit of patriotism and honor. One car and one motorcycle were awarded Best in Show, with one of the car clubs walking away with an award for Most Participation.

The VA Menlo Park 100 Centennial celebration was a resounding success, reaffirming the commitment of the community to honor and support Veterans and their families. The California Air National Guard's 129th Air Rescue Wing commanded by Colonel Victor Teal closed the event as its HC-130J Combat King II performed a flyover to the tune of America the Beautiful.

“As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, let us remember the past with reverence, embrace the present with gratitude, and step into the future with renewed determination. Here's to the next 100 years of extraordinary care, innovation, and service to our Veterans,” said Jean J. Gurga, Executive Medical Center Director of the VA Palo Alto Health Care System.

View the full history of the VA Menlo Park at History | VA Palo Alto Health Care | Veterans Affairs. Find raw footage and photos from the event at Files | Adobe Creative Cloud.

About the VA Palo Alto Health Care System

VA Palo Alto Health Care System is part of the VA Sierra Pacific Network, which serves Veterans in northern and central California, Nevada, Hawaii, the Philippines, and U.S. territories in the Pacific Basin. VA Palo Alto operates one of the largest integrated health care systems in VA in terms of specialized programs, research, and graduate medical education. The health care system is made up of 3 divisions in Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and Livermore, with community-based outpatient clinics in Marina, Capitola, San Jose, and Fremont. For more information, please visit va.gov/palo-alto-health-care/.

Media contact

Laura Hutcheson, Chief, Public Affairs, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
650-468-3849 | Laura.Hutcheson@va.gov