February 6, 2007

United Veterans Council of Santa Clara County celebrates veterans

The United Veterans Council of Santa Clara County (UVC) held an emotional flag-lowering ceremony on Dec. 31 at Oak Hill Memorial Park as they do the last Sunday of every month. During the ceremony, military victims of the Pearl Harbor attack were remembered along with World War II U.S. Navy veteran and former President Gerald Ford.

Members of the United Veterans Council of Santa Clara County Color guard at Oak Hill Memorial Park on Dec. 31, 2006.

The UVC was established in 1919 and is composed of delegates from veteran organizations, and their auxiliaries, chartered by the Congress of the United States and/or recognized by the state of California.  The UVC is a non-political and non-sectarian organization established to promote the goals and objectives of all veteran organizations for the common good and welfare of all veterans, their dependents, widows, orphans, and citizens of the United States. 

The primary mission of the UVC is to support the veterans and active military members, and their families, monetarily and morally, particularly those hospitalized in Veterans Administration institutions within the Santa Clara County area.  This population is ethnically diverse and approximately ten-percent are disabled, primarily as a result of service to their country.

The UVC promotes veteran activities and provides a sense of respect for all veterans and recognition of their sacrifices.  The UVC is designed to pass on to posterity a sense of loyalty to our country, and respect for all veterans, living or dead.  Additionally, the UVC:

- Supports all veterans by providing information on legislation, or other actions, that might be detrimental to, or for the good of, veterans, through the member Santa Clara County veteran organizations;

UVC President Ernie Glave (right) and Judge Advocate Larry Doutherd present the 2006 Man of the Year award to outgoing UVC Vice President Bob Kadlec (left) during the 2007 installation ceremony Jan. 2.

- Conducts a fitting and proper annual service and ceremony, on the day designated by the U.S. government as Memorial Day, to honor all veterans, from all wars, who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country;

- Supports all Local patriotic observances such as Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and any other city or county patriotic observances;  and,

- Plans and directs a suitable street parade, to be known as Veterans Day Parade, to be held on the 11th of November each year to honor all military service personnel, past or present, living or dead.

The (UVC) held its installation and awards ceremony on Jan. 2. Past President Richard Murphy administered the oath of office to the newly elected President Earnest A. Glave during the UVC Installation and Awards Ceremony on Jan. 2.

For more information on the United Veterans Council of Santa Clara County, visit the group’s Web site at
www.uvc-scc.org