Just a few weeks ago we published our latest blog featuring Vietnam Vet turned author, Tim Haslam. His story motivated many of you to write to us and some of you to purchase his book. But what I never imagined is the impact his blog would have on one young man in the home stretch of his Eagle Scout project.
Tony Knox with his proud parents, Annette and Mark Knox.
Proud mom, good friend, colleague and client, Annette Knox, sent me an email a couple of weeks ago letting me know that not only was she moved by Tim’s story, but that her son was as well. Turns out her son, Tony, was in the final phase of planning the dedication of the Moraga Veterans Memorial --- a memorial that he envisioned, raised funds to build and actually helped build, and install. An important element of his project was the dedication ceremony taking place this past Veterans Day: 11/11 at 11:00, in the Moraga Commons. Because of that blog, Tony asked Tim to speak at the dedication ceremony.
So of course, I had to attend! I was prepared to be wowed by the memorial, which I was! But I was not prepared for the amazing presentation and program that Tony put together. Beginning sharply at 11:00, we were treated to the Color Guard presentation of the flag accompanied by moving bagpipe ceremonial music. Moving on, and led by Tony Knox, speakers included two high ranking retired Naval officers, Moraga Mayor Ken Chew, a retired Scoutmaster, Supervisor Gayle Uilkema and yes, our own beloved Tim Haslam! All the speakers did a great job of saluting and honoring our military and thanking Tony for his meaningful work in bringing this memorial to Moraga. Tim added to the importance and tone of the day by reading a passage from his book, bringing us into the jungles of Vietnam during a time of tremendous loss, and letting us experience the reality of what our brave men and women experience when they serve in combat. Being outside on a beautiful day in a park aside, you could have heard a pin drop as Tim read from his memoirs. Tony’s concluding remarks were very poised and warm, a remarkable presentation by a remarkable young man.
Tim Haslam’s address next to the newly installed Veterans Memorial.
Here are the words that Tony presented in the program for the memorial ceremony:
"I have been involved in scouting for seven years. The Veterans Memorial is my Eagle Scout project and must be completed before I obtain the rank of Eagle. Scouts who obtain their Eagle rank learn to develop skills and values that are recognized throughout their lives. I’ve had many fun experiences with Scouting, but I believe the most important part is the development of my character and my morals.
During this last summer, I was looking around for an Eagle Project when John Haffner, the President of the Kiwanis Club and President of the Military Officers Association, suggested that I create a Veteran’s Memorial for the Town. The project seemed appropriate for me because I have many family members who served in wartime. I was glad to have the opportunity to honor both my family and Veterans of the Lamorinda Community. I enjoy my freedom as a citizen of the United States, but this freedom is sometimes taken for granted. The project seemed like a great way to honor the people who fought for our freedom.
In order to create the actual memorial, I located a granite boulder, and made a design that we engraved onto the boulder with the direction and help of Ken Kramer. My fellow scouts and I actually helped out in the engraving process, which included cutting out a stencil and sandblasting the design into the boulder. This was quite a fun process because I got to see my hard work coming together. We also prepared the spot in the Commons for installation of the boulder, installed the boulder, and prepared and sent out the contribution request. I also planned this event and my fellow scouts have assisted me in bringing it about.
The Eagle Scout project challenges a Scout in areas such as leadership, planning, communication, fundraising, management and teamwork. This has been a difficult but rewarding project and I hope it keeps our Veterans in the hearts and minds of our citizens."
Tony is in the final phases of his fundraising for this project so that it can be completed, sealed and the installation made permanent. He is looking to raise $1,700.
We at Ballou Plum have made a small donation, and LPL Financial will be matching it. Both my father and brother have served in the military, my father during the Korean War in the Navy, my brother during peacetime (thankfully) for 20 years in the Air Force. Many of you know that Marilyn’s husband also served in Vietnam in the Army, both in the infantry as well as a dental specialist serving in MEDCAPS (Medical Civic Action Programs), organizing doctors and dentists to go out into the field to serve Vietnamese civilians.
I know that many of you have also served, or have close family who have served in the military.
If you would like to contribute to Tony’s final phase of fundraising, you need only send a check payable to Military Officers Association of America and mail it to:
Military Officers Association of America, Contra Costa Chapter
Moraga Veteran’s Memorial Project
PO Box 2305
Walnut Creek, CA 94595
Ballou Plum will match the first $500 our clients and colleagues contribute, so please let us know if you do so!
Thank you to two men from two different generations for your inspiring contributions to our well being. Tony Knox and Tim Haslam, we pay tribute to you!
