On Saturday, November 4th, the Arcadia Woman’s Club played host to the Shine a Light on Veterans event, a fundraiser aimed at raising enough money to add lighting to the Arcadia Vietnam War Monument, a project spearheaded by monument creator, Gene Glasco. With around 70 in attendance, Shine a Light guests were treated to dinner, an invocation by Chaplain John Bartos of American Legion Post 628, the pledge of allegiance by the VFW Color Guard and presentations by Congresswoman Judy Chu, Assemblymember Ed Chau and Mayor of Arcadia Peter Amundson.
In honor of the 14 young men who lost their lives in Vietnam and called Arcadia home, Gene Glasco did a roll call while Chaplain John Bartos performed the tolling of the bell. After dinner, the performance group, Theatre Americana performed patriotic songs then the Woman’s Club held a 50/50 raffle and announced prize winners. Proceeds for all raffles and drawings go to support the Arcadia Vietnam War Monument and included military uniforms, gift baskets, artwork and a challenge coin created especially for the monument. Gene Glasco hopes to raise funds to provide lighting for the monument to help deter vandalism and make the monument a place of reflection at all hours of the day.
To contribute to this cause, please click here.
The Arcadia Woman’s Club “Shine A Light On Our Veterans” dinner program enjoyed an outpouring of community patriotism visible by the reportedly 90+ people that packed the Woman’s Club Ballroom. Paintings donated by artist Carrie Lynn Barker and her photographing our event is so very much appreciated. The “Band of Brothers” VFW Color Guard, Boy Scouts from Troop 104 and Troop 2131 and many other dedicated volunteers helped make the evening an emotionally stirring and memorable event for everyone in attendance. My heartfelt thanks to all of you.