The 29th Annual Veterans Memorial Car Show was held on October 13, 2019 at Sylvan Park in Redlands, CA. The motto of this show has always been “If you like your freedom, thank a Vet.”
This mural, on the side of a fine 1955 Chevy Sedan Delivery, epitomizes the spirit of the Vet’s car show.
After many years at the Vet’s Hospital in Loma Linda, this show is now being held in Sylvan Park in Redlands. This picturesque park is the perfect location for a car show – plenty of room, lots and lots of shade trees, stone bridges across a dry creek, a central area for registration and vendors, and more than enough picnic tables. Together with a sunny, warm day and the 600 cars that filled the park, who could ask for anything more?
The show opened it’s gates at 8:00 a.m. At 10:00 a.m. the All Forces Honor Guard from the Riverside National Cemetery posted the colors. The Honor Guard founded in 1996, represents members from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, and provides Memorial Honor Details at Riverside National Cemetery. The Honor Guard has been posting the colors at the Vet’s show for more than 10 years. The Honor Guard which is made up of volunteers is always well received and is a touching opening for the show. We thank these men for their service and for the time they freely give to provide a Memorial Honor Guard to deceased veterans.
All photos shown here can be seen our SmugMug site and are available for purchase. Click on the SmugMug icon:
The show is limited to 600 cars and included cars from every category available – Tri-five Chevys, Hot Rods, Customs, Classics, Muscle Cars, Rat Rods, Trucks (big and small), Military Vehicles, Dragsters and Special Interest.
Tri-Five Chevy:
Hot Rod:
Custom:
Classic:
Muscle Car:
Rat Rod:
Truck – Big:
Truck – Small:
Military Vehicle:
Dragster:
Special Interest:
This very unique vehicle caught not only our attention, but Samuel’s who is lookin’ cool in the driver’s seat.
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Throughout the day, tickets were sold for a 50/50 drawing and there was a silent auction, and Bingo games were held. There were plenty of food vendors to provide lunch, snacks and drinks. However, the 600 cars were the stars of the show.
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It’s always fun and interesting to look at the military vehicles. Caydence (in period specific garb) and her sister Taylor pose in front of a Vietnam era truck.
This World War II era Jeep was well equipped (i.e. gun and portable shower).
There were 29 cars chosen to win a trophy this year. Each trophy is sponsored by an individual (or group) and that individual selects a car to receive the trophy. The sponsor of each trophy sets the selection criteria for his chosen car making the trophy winners a diverse group of cars.
The Vet’s Show is put on by the Volunteers for Veterans Foundation. The goal of the Foundation is to provide emergency shelter and crisis management for veterans as well as helping families to maintain long term stability and self-sufficiency. The Foundation provides assistance with rent, emergency housing and/or repairs, utilities, food and gas. It assists all active and retired Veterans and those who are in transition to civilian life awaiting VA benefits. The Foundation also supports services for veterans at the Loma Linda Veterans Hospital to benefit both in-patients and out-patients.
This year the Foundation became aware of a veteran in need of transportation. Lino Wilhelmy, Sr. of Hesperia is raising his two grandsons, Dean, 14, and Jessie, 15, and had no car. The Foundation was able to help; and, presented him with a Dodge pick-up. Before Lino was given the truck it was painted and detailed, had the air conditioning repaired, was reupholstered, and had all necessary repairs performed. All of the labor and parts were donated.
Below is Lino receiving the truck from Betty Volk and Lloyd Schultz, members of the Foundation.
This show provides not only an enjoyable day for many car owners and spectators, but the proceeds from the show go to help veterans in need. Don’t forget – “If you like your freedom, thank a Vet.”
>The photos above can be seen our SmugMug site and are available for purchase. Click on the SmugMug icon:
