In 2001 Doris Walker, the mother of James Walker who was killed in Vietnam, visited the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce carrying the memory of her son deep in her heart.

She met with Bob Hatch, who was the president and CEO at the time. What she said made such an impact that it brought about the creation of a community landmark that continues to gain relevance each and every year.

“I am afraid that after I die, there will be no one who will remember my son and that he died for our country,” she said. As a matter of fact, she was convinced that James had already been forgotten.

That conversation brought about an instant clarity of purpose, and after being assured that the Chamber of Commerce would never allow her son to be forgotten, the Freedom Monument Veterans Memorial was conc

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