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On Saturday, March 30, 2013 the San Jose Vietnam War Memorial Foundation unveiled the Sons of San Jose Vietnam War Memorial, a black granite memorial for the 142 soldiers from San Jose who died during the Vietnam War. The unveiling ceremony drew hundreds of attendees, including the families of the soldiers, military veterans, elected officials, and members of the media.

Watch the video produced by PRxDigital

Toeniskoetter Construction, which donated its time as the general contractor on the project, was honored to be a part of the ceremony and to see the extensive community support.

“The unveiling of this memorial was a very significant moment in San Jose’s history. It was a highly emotional event for everyone, especially Vietnam veterans like myself. I am personally honored to be a part of making this memorial a reality, and I have been deeply impressed by the San Jose Vietnam War Memorial Foundation directors’ vision, dedication, and resourcefulness,” said Chuck Toeniskoetter, Toeniskoetter Construction Chairman and CEO and a former Marine who served in Vietnam.

He said, “I especially want to recognize the generosity of the many contractors and talented tradespeople who donated their time, expertise and money to build the memorial. We could not have done this without their support.”

The memorial, located at Guadalupe River Park near Santa Clara Street and Highway 87, will provide family members and fellow veterans with a place for contemplation and remembrance.

“We could not be more pleased with how this memorial turned out,” said Dennis Fernandez, President of the San Jose Vietnam War Memorial Foundation, which first began organizing partners and raising funds to build the memorial in 2008. “It warms my heart when I see so many families of the “Fallen Heroes” touch the wall and give their blessings to their loved one. We are grateful to the donors and companies that have been so supportive of this project. We could not have done this without them, and this memorial is also a testament to their compassion for the community.”

The Sons of San Jose memorial consists of black granite with the names of the Sons of San Jose etched in white on two side panels. As Fernandez designed it, the granite encloses the visitor as they move close to read and touch the names of people they knew any time, day or night. The atmosphere is completed with flags, lighting, and landscaping. It creates a space along a busy transportation corridor for personal reflection about the loss of life and, organizers hope, solace for family members and veterans.

"I hope that many Vietnam veterans who could not or would not attend the ceremony because of the emotional impact will find the courage to visit their fallen brothers when they are ready," said Fernandez, who recognized the contributions and dedication of his fellow Foundation Directors: Sandra MG. Fernandez, Michael R. Salas, William H. Otterlei, and Jeffrey T. Berg.

For more information, please visit www.sjwarmemorial.com. If you would like to get involved or donate to this project, please contact Dennis Fernandez at San Jose Vietnam War Memorial Foundation at (408) 506-4884 or email dfwar23@yahoo.com.

Toeniskoetter Construction Thanks The Following Community Partners For Their Involvement With The Memorial

●    Steinberg Architects, San Jose

●    Art Works, Campbell

●    The Best Electrical Company, Inc., San Jose

●    Biggs Cardosa Associates, San Jose

●    California Monumental Co., San Jose

●    Central Concrete Supply Company, San Jose

●    Forever Etched, San Jose

●    HMH Engineers, San Jose

●    Joseph J. Albanese, Inc., Santa Clara

●    Law Office of Eugene Flemate, San Jose

●    Maxicon Inc., Los Gatos

●    PRxDigital, San Jose

●    United Marble & Granite, Inc., San Jose

●    ValleyCrest Landscape Companies, San Jose

●    Walters & Wolf, Fremont

●    Whisler Land Planning Corp., San Rafael