The Veterans Service Organizations (VSO) will hold a Memorial Day Commemorative Ceremony Monday, May 26, at 9 a.m.

The Memorial Day observance will be at the Fountain Hills Veterans Memorial on El Lago Blvd in Fountain Park.

Each year, the town’s VSOs (Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7507, American Legion Post 58 and Marine Corps League Detachment 1439) participate jointly in the annual commemorative ceremony with the lead rotating between the Posts.

This year marks the Veterans Memorial’s 20th anniversary. The ceremony is led and organized by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7507, commanded by Navy Vietnam Veteran Don Hervey.

Chairs and shade are provided by VFW Post 7507.

The keynote speaker will be Fountain Hills resident, Colonel Patrick Garman, U.S. Army retired. VFW Post 7507 Commander Don Hervey will be Master of Ceremonies with members of the other VSOs having supporting roles.

Col. Garman served 29 years in the U.S. Army before transitioning to a civilian career in 2020.

Dr. Garman is a field medical senior director and western team lead for vaccines medical affairs at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals.

Some of his career highlights include commanding a 101-bed full-spectrum Army hospital and military health-system in Colorado Springs, Colo., and commanding a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosive (CBRNE) medical laboratory unit during a deployment to Liberia, Africa, during the world’s largest Ebola outbreak.

Garman directed the Department of Defense’s Military Vaccine Agency, where he led the implementation of DOD immunization research, safety surveillance and policy.

He also served as a U.S. House of Representatives Congressional staffer and was assigned as a liaison officer to the United Kingdom’s 2nd Medical Brigade, British Army, York, England.

As a major, he directed the administration of the DOD’s bio-defense vaccine and anti-toxin programs.

Included in his various military assignments and deployments was a 12-month combat tour in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Garman’s final military tour was as the deputy surgeon within the Office of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

His military awards and badges include the Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (1 Oak Leaf Cluster) Bronze Star, Parachutist badge, Air-Assault Badge and the Expert Field Medical Badge.

Garman currently serves as chair of Fountain Hills’ Strategic Planning Advisory Commission. He is a native of Ohio but resides with his family in Fountain Hills. He has four children and has been married to his wife, Kim, for over 32 years.

Memorial Day should not be confused with Veterans Day, says Boe James, VFW Post 7507’s assistant adjutant.

Memorial Day honors those who lost their lives while in service to the United States during peace and war while Veterans Day is a day to honor the service of those who have served or are serving in the U.S. military. Veterans Day is in November each year.

Moment of Remembrance

A National Moment of Remembrance will be observed at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day. This is to encourage Americans everywhere to pause for one minute to remember and reflect on the sacrifices made by so many to provide freedom for all.

In Fountain Hills, members of the Desert Valley Winds, Fountain Hills Community Band and musicians from all backgrounds will join in a synchronized, nationwide playing of Taps, uniting the country in a shared moment of honor, remembrance and reflection. The event will begin at 2:45 p.m. and include inspirational, reflective music, a narration about “why we remember,” a minute of silence and the playing of Taps at 3 p.m. sharp.

“Whether you are a musician, a veteran, or simply a spectator who wishes to pay tribute, we welcome you to join us. Let’s sound our music in joyous unison as part of a larger symphony. Let our reverence and gratitude resonate with others across the nation,” said Brenda Kalivianakis, Fountain Hills Councilwoman and member of the Desert Valley Winds. “Please, invite your family, friends, clubs and fellow patriots to join us. This will be an inspiring event calling everyone together to remember those who have sacrificed their all in the name of duty, honor and country.”

The Memorial Day ceremonies are open to the general public and everyone is invited. The wearing of uniforms (partial or complete), organizational clothing, Red Shirt Friday shirts and/or patriotic attire is appropriate, as is the wearing of Buddy Poppies.