Each year, the City of Fontana partners with the American Legion Post 772,
to offer
Families enjoy safe events as alternative to trick-or-treating
area youth, 18 and younger, an opportunity to honor our nation's heroes with an
essay contest and get a chance to win a savings bond at the same time.
The Dr. Charles Koehler Memorial Veterans Day Essay Contest began in 1999
to compliment the Annual Veteran's Council of the Greater Fontana Area Veteran's Day Memorial
Event. The ceremony, which last year brought in an audience of over 300 people, receives
great support from the community. With the addition of the essay contest, organizers had
hoped to encourage Fontana youth to express their gratitude towards our service members both
past and present.
Participation from local schools and service groups help enhance the Veteran's Day ceremony.
In 2006, over 200 essays were sent to the Community Services Department
and forwarded to the American Legion Post 772 for judging. Joe Dean, Commander, American
Legion Post 772, has reason to appreciate the essays.
"Attendance at our annual celebration continues to grow and I am happy with
the way the city is helping to bridge the gap between generations to help our youth better
understand the importance of our Veterans."
According to Pat Lehman, essay contest coordinator and long time event supporter,
the essays dedicated to our service men and women keep coming in. "Over the years, schools
have started to really take an interest in the contest. We receive more essays each year."
Resurrection Academy and Kaiser High School have definitely shown their
support. Last year, the winner and three honorable mentions were all students from Resurrection
Academy while Kaiser High School sponsored the essays from the two ninth graders who won
second and third places.
The Veteran's Day Ceremony takes place at the "Avenue of Veterans" in Veterans Park, 17255 Merrill Avenue
The top three winners of the contest receive generous donations of $100,
$75 or $50 in the form of U.S. Savings Bonds from local philanthropist and former Fontana
Parks and Recreation Commissioner, Jesse Sandoval. The Dr. Charles Koehler Memorial Veterans
Day Essay Contest is open to area youth, 18 and younger, who submit an essay of 250 words
or less about "What Veteran's Day Means to Me."
Essays should be sent to the City of Fontana Community Services Department
office located at 9460 Sierra Avenue, Fontana, CA 92355. Please remember to print neatly
or submit a type-written essay. Judging will be done by local Veterans. The deadline for
entries is Thursday, October 25. Winners will receive cash U.S. Savings bonds as well as
an opportunity to read their essay at the Veteran's Day Celebration on Sunday, November 11,
2007 at 11:00 a.m. in Veterans Park, 17255 Merrill Avenue in the "Avenue of Veterans."
For more information, please contact the Community Services Department at
(909) 428-8360.
