The official revival of a downtown centerpiece - the Veterans Memorial Building - embodied patriotism and community pride on Memorial Day as civic leaders joined a courtyard packed with veterans and other residents to commemorate the historic rededication of Hollister's 76-year-old landmark.
During the early-afternoon ceremony, officials celebrated the culmination of a painstaking renovation process that began in November 2000 when the building's ownership transferred from the county to the city. More than two years of planning and $4.4 million in construction later, the project is finally wrapping up.
Construction crews will officially return the building to the City of Hollister June 22, according to Recreation Services Manager Robert Ornelas.
Ornelas, who leads the city's Recreation Division, which oversees the facility's operations, said he was pleased with Monday's "awesome turnout." No official attendance estimate was tabulated, although the standing-room-only crowd packed the courtyard and filtered out of the San Benito Street entrance.
"In essence, this was a commemorative service for the veterans, but also a rededication," Ornelas said. "I think we had a combination of both crowds coming in."
The two-hour ceremony featured several speeches laced with patriotic fervor, passion-driven anecdotes and gratitude to the project's most influential participants.
The garnished surroundings accentuated the patriotic tone. Red, white and blue balloons arced over the stone entrance, while the building was decorated in like-colored bunting. American flags speckled the grounds.
"It gives you goose bumps, doesn't it," murmured a man in the crowd at the event's outset.
In a showing of fitting symbolism, Hollister City Manager Dale Shaddox shook hands with former City Manager George Lewis moments before the ceremony, during which both men spoke.
"This is not just a building, but a place of community," said Lewis, who was instrumental in the initial stages of approval for the renovation. Shaddox took over as city manager in early May.
As four World War II-vintage P-51 Mustangs from the Hollister Airport made several overhead passes, Mayor Brian Conroy talked about the building's 1927 origins and the memories it has produced for long-time residents.
Seated in the front row, City Councilman and county Marshal Robert Scattini is one of those lifelong residents who appreciates the widespread sentiment toward the building.
"Especially for the hometown people, the ones who were born and raised here, it means a lot," Scattini said.
Project Architect David Huboi spoke of his uncle, a 19-year-old pilot killed in World War II, and eulogized the other veterans from San Benito County lost in battle.
"They last recalled that he was helping his buddies out of the planes," Huboi said of his uncle. "He never made it out."
State leaders - Assemblyman Simon Salinas and Sen. Jeff Denham - made presentations to the city.
"I think it's beautiful," Salinas said after the ceremony. "It captures the spirit of American towns, and I commend the City of Hollister."
Guest speaker Lt. Col. George Scott, a military intelligence commander out of Monterey, spoke about his family history of veterans. His father survived World War II and the Korean War, and his grandfather survived World War I.
"I urge you all to reach out to the families of those who have died, to reach out to our living veterans, and finally to reach out to the servicemen and women who defend our nation today," he said. "Thank them for what they've done."
Charlie Scott, commander of the Hollister Veterans of Foreign Wars post, then called for memorializing of the newly installed commemorative pavers adjacent to San Benito Street. The engraved monument includes names of deceased veterans with relations to county residents.
Two veterans - Scott and Richard Herrera, director of the Veterans Day Parade Coalition - read the names of local veterans who were killed during military conflicts. They started with World War I and announced the names of veterans from each war since.
The final speaker at the podium was Scott, who also played a key role during the initial stages of approval and planning of the renovation. Scott spawned the idea for the rededication ceremony.
"Do your duty," he ordered the Honor Guard, members of which fired three rifle shots before members of the San Benito High School Baler Band played "Taps" - the traditional military harmony associated with fallen soldiers.
After the Color Guard departed with the ceremonial flags, Scott requested that the memorial plaque on the building be unveiled. City and county officials were invited to the front podium, as Mayor Brian Conroy held a giant scissors and performed the ceremonial ribbon cutting for the facility. Afterward, tours of the first floor were given to the public.
Aside from early sound difficulties, officials and residents expressed widespread satisfaction about the ceremony and renovation.
"The rededication of this building is very important for our town," said Hollister resident and Korean War veteran Elaine Reyna.
Seated in a wheelchair in the audience's first row, Hollister resident John Alvarez, a veteran of WW II, has been involved with the Memorial Day ceremonies as a member of the Honor Guard since 1945. He watched Monday as a spectator, his lack of mobility no longer allowing him to take an active part.
"I would like to say I'm glad I came out again today," he said.
Ornelas said the first official event in the revamped Veterans Memorial Building will be a wedding reception June 28, although the facility hosted the Spotlight on Hollister trade show and job fair May 22.
Conroy said the rededication "no doubt" was the most significant event he could remember in Hollister's recent history.
"It's a big part of our history," he said. "It has been a center point of the community since 1927, and it will remain that."
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