Closing Ceremony

Sunday, August 2, 2015, 4:00 – 7:00 pm

To close out the popular and affecting exhibition “We Remember: Ventura County to Vietnam and Back” at the Museum of Ventura County, a ceremony will be held to thank the community and to honor those from Ventura County who paid the ultimate price in Vietnam.

The exhibition, which was curated by Anna Bermudez and documentary filmmaker and Vietnam veteran George J. Sandoval, has broken attendance records at the museum—drawing over 8,500 visitors as of July 20.  According to curator Anna Bermudez, “It has been an honor to present this exhibition and to work with so many local veterans and their families.  I didn’t anticipate the profound effect it would have on me.  George and I knew it was timely and an important story to tell, but its transformative effect has been extraordinary.”

This event, which is open to the public, will incorporate the following:

To acknowledge the families of those killed in action by presenting them with plaques from the exhibition’s memorial wall.  Ventura County Supervisor Steve Bennett will present family members present with certificates—the actual wall tiles will be given to them after the exhibit ends on August 9.
To acknowledge the participation of the Veterans of Ventura County, who supported this exhibit with their artifacts, photos and stories. This will be symbolized by the presentation of a U.S. flag flown over the Capitol in their honor by Congresswoman Julia Brownley (or her representative).
The laying of a ceremonial wreath in the exhibition that acknowledges the veterans who have passed away since the war ended 40 years ago.

The ceremonial element will last about an hour and a half, culminating with the screening of two original tribute films (approximately 20 minutes each) by documentary filmmaker George J. Sandoval, the first of which introduces us to the young men from Ventura County who were killed in action, and the second of which features interviews with some of those who returned.

The Vietnam exhibit will be open until 7 p.m. and light refreshments will be served.

This event is free with paid admission; all MVC members and veterans admitted free.