Each year, Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) in Fountain Hills—including Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7507, American Legion Post 58, and Marine Corps League Detachment 1439—collaborate to host the town’s Memorial Day commemorative ceremony.
The events are open to the public and will be held at the Fountain Hills Veterans Memorial on El Lago Boulevard, which is situated on the south side of Fountain Park. This occasion also marks the 20th anniversary of the Veterans Memorial.
Colonel Patrick Garman, a Fountain Hills resident and retired U.S. Army officer, will be the keynote speaker. VFW Post 7507 Commander Don Hervey will serve as Master of Ceremonies, with members of the other VSOs supporting the program.
Dr. Garman is the Field Medical Senior Director and the Western Team Lead for Vaccines Medical Affairs at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. His distinguished military career includes commanding a 101-bed Army hospital and leading a medical laboratory specializing in chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive threats. He spearheaded a deployment to Liberia, Africa, during the world’s largest Ebola outbreak.
He also led the Department of Defense’s Military Vaccine Agency, managing immunization research, safety surveillance, and policy implementation. His service included a 12-month combat tour in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. Garman’s final military position was as Deputy Surgeon in the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon.
He chairs the Fountain Hills Strategic Planning Advisory Commission locally. Originally from Ohio, he resides in Fountain Hills with his wife, Kim, whom he has been married to for over 32 years. The couple has four children.
Memorial Day vs. Veterans Day
It’s important to differentiate between Memorial Day and Veterans Day, notes Boe James, Assistant Adjutant of VFW Post 7507.
“Memorial Day honors those who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military, whether in times of peace or war,” he said. “Veterans Day, held in November, is a day to celebrate all who have served.”
National Moment of Remembrance
A National Moment of Remembrance will be observed at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, encouraging Americans across the nation to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives in service to our country.
In Fountain Hills, this moment will be part of a special musical tribute starting at 2:45 p.m. Members of the Desert Valley Winds, the Fountain Hills Community Band, and musicians from various backgrounds will participate in a nationwide, synchronized performance of “Taps.” The program will feature reflective music, a narrated segment on “why we remember,” a minute of silence, and the sounding of “Taps” at exactly 3 p.m.
“Whether you are a musician, a veteran, or simply someone who wishes to pay tribute, we invite you to join us,” said Fountain Hills Councilwoman Brenda Kalivianakis, a member of the Desert Valley Winds. “Let our music ring out in unison across the nation. Let our reverence and gratitude echo as we honor those who gave all in the name of duty, honor, and country.”
