American Heroes Tribute
Banners saluting military heroes line Discovery bay Boulevard this morning. It’s part of a program through AmericanHeroesTribute.org. The goal of this national program is “to celebrate the life of each and every fallen hero from Iraq and Afghanistan, by creating a 3 x 9 ft. banner that will display a favorite picture of them as selected by their families as well provide personal information about them.”
Residents and their families are encouraged to walk the boulevard to read each of the banners. Each of the banners are sponsored by a non-profit organization, the project was approved by Contra Costa County, and erected using volunteer services and contractors. The banners will be posted through Veterans Day.
“Some Gave All” – The Joey Graves Foundation
DISCOVERY BAY, CA – Starting on September 1, 2011 the Town of Discovery Bay is proud to be displaying fifty-two banners of fallen heroes from the Bay Area and California.
This project is sponsored by “Some Gave All” – the Joey Graves Foundation. The nine foot tall banners will be on display through Veterans Day.
“We feel it is important to make sure that the memories of those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms should never be forgotten. Gold Star Families (families who have loved ones that have been killed in action) are the hidden casualties of these ongoing conflicts” explains Leianne Graves, whose idea it was to sponsor this display of honor.
The Graves have financed this through their foundation and are working with the cooperation of Supervisor Mary Piepho’s office, PG&E, and the Town of Discovery Bay. The labor for the project is being generously donated by Mike Tennyson and the employees at Tennyson Electric of Livermore.
Kevin Graves founded “Some Gave All” to honor his son, Specialist Joseph A. Graves, who was KIA in Baghdad, Iraq on July 25, 2006. “Our primary mission is to support Gold Star Families. We do this by working with other Bay Area organizations to provide venues for healing and by providing opportunities for our fallen heroes to be honored” Graves says. “We also provide support for active duty and veterans‟ programs.”
“Some Gave All” – The Joey Graves Foundation is a registered non-profit corporation and finances their programs through fund raising events and from donations from the community.
One of the largest fundraisers supporting „Some Gave All”, is their annual golf tournament played at Discovery Bay Country Club. The Fifth Annual Joey Graves Memorial Golf Tournament is being held this year on September 19. There are still opportunities available for golfers and sponsors. Anyone interested in participating in any of the events sponsored by „Some Gave All‟ or wishing to contribute to the foundation can contact Mr. Graves at kevin@somegaeall.us or visit the website at http://www.somegaveall.us.
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