Tag archives: Pierre Claeyssens
Pomp, pageantry, and ceremonial reigned when the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation hosted its 26th annual military gala at the U.S. flag festooned Elks Lodge in Goleta with 240 guests, many in uniform, helping contribute to military charities. Belgian philanthropist Pierre Claeyssens initiated the ball, now called the Veterans Day Gala, in 1996 as a way […]
Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation had a record turnout of more than 1,000 people when it held its annual Memorial Day ceremony at Santa Barbara Cemetery. The Pledge of Allegiance was read by retired Air Force Lt. Col. Patricia Rumpza, with the national anthem sung by retired police sergeant David Gonzales. Santa Barbara Choral Society, under […]
The Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation held its 25th Annual Military Ball on Saturday, November 5, at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort ballroom. Guests were greeted by a bagpiper as they checked in and proceeded to the cocktail reception and photo op. There were displays of military hats, along with photographs and art of military […]
Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) will be joined by Santa Barbara’s beloved Prime Time Band on 4th of July for a free festive concert at 5:00 PM at Santa Barbara County Courthouse Gardens. Enjoy pops tunes, family favorites and patriotic classics, plus a special guest performance by the Prime Time Band. Attendees are encouraged to […]
Philanthropist Pierre Claeyssens (1908-2003) believed that “to be killed in wars is not the worst that can happen. To be lost is not the worst that can happen. To be forgotten is the worst.” In order to pay tribute to all the U.S. Armed Forces, past and present in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, he […]
On November 11, the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation and the Santa Barbara VFW Post 1649 hosted hundreds at the Santa Barbara Cemetery to honor those who have served in the U.S. military. The morning kicked off with a performance by the Gold Coast Pipe Band, with the likes of Pablo Paredes (Army), Lieutenant John W. […]
A cavalcade of uniforms from all branches of the Department of Defense descended on the cavernous Hilton ballroom for the 24th Annual Military Ball organized by the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation. Some 300 guests attended the fun fete, co-chaired by John and Hazel Blankenship, which honored all service veterans. Singer David Gonzales, a retired sergeant […]
The Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) knows how to produce an unforgettable Fourth of July. This year it was held at the Santa Barbara Cemetery in Montecito, with dozens of American flags lining the roadway leading to the hilltop. Co-founded with wife, Hazel, Lt. John Blankenship (U.S. Navy, ret.) welcomed the crowd and the Vandenberg […]
“To be killed in war is not the worst. To be lost in war is not the worst. To be forgotten is the worst.” – Pierre Claeyssens The Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) is all about remembering our men and women who have done so much for all of us. Navy lieutenant (retired) John Blankenship, […]
Free to Laugh, a short documentary about the power of comedy to help inmates to heal after prison, follows a comedy workshop teaching improv and stand-up to women on parole and probation, one of the more underrepresented communities representing and a voice that is seldom heard. The film, which was shot on location at Amity […]
As a prelude to Memorial Day and as a way to honor the first responders of the Thomas Fire and 1/9 debris flow, the businesses and merchants of 1187 Coast Village Road joined with Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) last Wednesday to unveil and dedicate a large flag made from actual fire hose. Some 25 […]
If you like to honor all who served in the military, the place to go on Veterans Day is the Santa Barbara Cemetery just off of Channel Drive. This year was especially poignant because it marked the end of WWI one hundred years ago. The ceremony is put on by the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation, […]
More than a thousand participants gathered at the Santa Barbara Cemetery to honor military veterans on Memorial Day. The idea behind this yearly event sponsored by the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation is to celebrate the everyday heroes who’ve given their all and to keep the fallen in our minds. Bill Boetticher and the Sheriff’s Bagpipes […]
The Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation (PCVF) held its 22nd annual Military Ball honoring excellence in service and to remember Armistice Day at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. Philanthropist Pierre Claeyssens initiated the Ball in 1996 as a way of paying tribute to the U.S. Armed Forces, past and present, in Santa Barbara and Ventura […]
“To be killed in war is not the worst. To be lost in war is not the worst. To be forgotten is the worst.” – Pierre Claeyssens The 21st annual Military Ball was held for more than 700 people – veterans, active-duty service members, their families, and friends at The Fess Parker, the biggest ever. […]
