Pleasanton Veterans Memorial

On a raised bluff in Pleasanton’s historic Pioneer Cemetery on Sunol Blvd stands a place of reverence and remembrance—the Pleasanton Veterans Memorial. Here, bronze, granite, and flags unite to honor those who served, those who sacrificed, and those who never returned. It is both a testament to courage and a quiet invitation to reflect on the enduring cost of freedom.

On a broad, six-sided granite platform, a life-sized bronze WWII Marine gazes straight ahead, welcoming all who approach. He kneels in eternal honor, bearing the silence of comrades who never returned. His hand rests upon a Battlefield Cross—a World War II M-1 Garand rifle planted barrel-first in the earth, a helmet balanced above—sacred symbols of sacrifice, courage, and the unbearable cost of freedom.

Time cannot weather his sorrow; it only deepens the honor he keeps.

Vietnam Army veteran and master Colorado sculptor Ron Petitt was selected by the Pleasanton Veterans Memorial Committee to design the memorial in Pioneer Cemetery and to create the central figure of the kneeling WWII Pacific Theater soldier. The memorial honors veterans of all wartime conflicts, currently serving or serving in the future.  The monument pedestal bears the name, rank, branch of service, and date of death of 22 Pleasanton veterans.  Pioneer Cemetery holds the remains of at least 565 veterans, including at least two who served in the Civil War.

A six-pointed star at the base of the kneeling Marine represents all five military branches and the Merchant Marine. Though civilians, the Merchant Mariners’ role in transporting troops and equipment was recognized by Congress in 1988 when they were officially acknowledged as veterans. They suffered the highest percentage of casualties among all U.S. uniformed services during WWII.

Each point of the granite star displays the embedded emblem of one branch of service. The red granite represents the blood that has been shed. Three of the six emblems bear the official motto of their service:

* Army – “This We’ll Defend” (on scroll above shield)

* Coast Guard – “Semper Paratus” (Always Ready, on ribbon)

* Merchant Marine – “In Peace and War” (encircling emblem images)

The remaining three emblems are accompanied by traditional or historic phrases but not official mottos appearing on the emblem:

* Navy – “Forged by the Sea” (modern) or “Non sibi sed patriae” (Not for self, but for country)

* Marine Corps – “Semper Fidelis” (Always Faithful), appearing on unit insignia and flags

* Air Force – “Aim High…Fly-Fight-Win”

Behind the sculpture, flags bearing the service ensigns rise from 20-foot poles, creating a proud backdrop for the kneeling Marine. The 22-foot center pole flies the Stars and Stripes alongside the POW-MIA flag, while the remaining six poles display the flags of each service branch and the Merchant Marine.

Large 4 ft 3.5 inch x 3 ft polished granite monoliths stand at the base of each flagpole, each one bearing the engraved name of a branch of service. Three or four laser-etched inlay images on each stone depict defining moments and historical events from that branch’s proud history—including the service of the U.S. Merchant Marine. “Mattos Monuments of Hayward, CA, worked closely with local veterans in early design work to ensure that every detail visually told their story of duty, courage, and sacrifice,” said Bob Sanchez, who led the design efforts for the Memorial. Coldspring of Minnesota completed the fabrication.

At the center, beneath the Stars and Stripes, a distinguished monolith bears an inscription from President Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address. Written in the closing days of the Civil War, the words speak with timeless grace—calling for reconciliation, compassion, and remembrance. They remind us that the sacrifices of America’s veterans must forever be honored and never forgotten.

In front of the monoliths, cast in sweeping concrete letters, is a solemn message, uniting all:
“Here We Mark the Price of Freedom.”

An Army veteran of the Vietnam conflict, Ron Petitt experienced duty, witnessed courage, and saw the price of freedom. Upon returning home, his childhood interest in art led him to sketching and drawing. He began creating images of suspects from witness descriptions and became the first law enforcement composite artist in Texas. He earned a degree in graphic design at Lamar University and later moved to Loveland, Colorado.

In 1980, he began creating a series of collectible bronze sculptures. By 2001, Ron was commissioned to create a WWII Airborne sculpture presented to Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg for their work on Saving Private Ryan and Band of Brothers. His growing talent as a bronze sculptor soon gained national attention.

Growing interest in creating a Veterans Memorial in Pleasanton brought together the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6298 and American Legion Post 237 to spearhead the effort and form the Pleasanton Veterans Memorial Committee. Two local families pledged $140,000—Nancy and Gary Harrington contributed $40,000, and Bob and Marilyn Weiss donated $100,000. More than 270 separate donations were received from local individuals, businesses, and community organizations, with 60 of those donations of $1,000 or more. The project raised $315,000, ultimately covering much of the $475,000 total cost, which included necessary City preparations of the site and ingress/egress roads.

The three-year journey from idea to dedication was a true community effort. Veterans and their families, local organizations, and more than 270 residents contributed to bring the memorial to life—each donation, large or small, a gesture of gratitude and remembrance.

Through their generosity and through the artistry of Ron Petitt, Pleasanton gained more than a monument—it gained a place of reflection, pride, and healing.

Three polished black granite benches face the memorial, offering a clear view of the expansive tribute to veterans.

Seated before the kneeling WWII Marine—clad in his Pacific Theater uniform—reflection naturally stirs. Below Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address on the central monolith are the words of Jim Norris:“A quiet place to visit and pay respect and homage to those who have served.”

In this stillness, we are reminded that liberty is never free, and remembrance is our enduring duty.

Jan Coleman-Knight

Pleasanton Veterans Memorial Committee: Chris Buescher, Dave Caldwell, Frank Capilla, Greg Clune, Tom Daggett, Rich Ghera, Patrick Leary, Buddy Loggins, Jim Lyons, Eric Meutterties, Chris Miller, Doug Miller, Jim Norris, Dom Pietro, Bob Sanchez, Paul Siedschlag, Phil Stage, Mark Sweeney, Bill Taylor, Wayne Thomas, Alyssa Williamson