Belmont Village Quarterly Newsletter
on Senior Living

American Heroes: Portraits of Service

More than 200 men and women.  That’s how many veterans make their homes at Belmont Village communities across the country. Each person and story is unique, but all share a common bond — service.  Most served during World War II, although a few were in Korea as well. To be sure, many served under combat conditions, some distinguishing themselves by their valor and deeds; their decisions and actions under fire.  But all are heroes in their own way — individuals who put the greater good above their own.
 
Times have changed in America, but the sense of duty, pride and service that these veterans feel remains true.  I don’t think anyone, including our veterans, will argue against Sherman’s point that “war is hell.” But these men and women stepped up when they were needed, in the face of adversity, turmoil and fear, and they served.  That service and the results are intricately woven into the fabric of our country, our lives and our very identities.  We owe them a debt of gratitude and a large measure of respect.

Belmont Village is proud to announce the launch of our American Heroes photography project — a very special initiative to honor our own veterans and others who have served, and to show our appreciation and respect for those who continue to serve.
 
We first met photographer Tom Sanders last year, when he visited Belmont’s Hollywood community to photograph our resident veterans as a part of a larger personal project, or as he calls it, a mission to capture the stories of WWII veterans, both in America and abroad.

“I had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with a World War II veteran a few years ago.  After hearing his story, I realized how different things are for my generation, and how many of those differences are a direct result of what he and his fellow soldiers did,” said Sanders. “I don’t want those stories to be lost or forgotten.  They’re part of who we are.”

Since that first meeting and photo three years ago, Sanders has photographed over 100 WWII veterans, and will be capturing the images and stories of hundreds more, thanks to a commission from Belmont Village to photograph our veteran residents across the country. 

“When I heard about Tom’s mission and saw his work in our Hollywood community, I knew this was something we wanted to be a part of,” said Patricia Will, Belmont Village founder and CEO.  “We have so many residents who have served, and their character continues to shape our communities.  I’m proud to be able to honor them in this way.”

Resident photos will become part of a permanent gallery and opening receptions will be held at select communities in 2009.  The public is invited to attend.     

For More Information:

• Opening Dates - Event dates will be posted as shooting completes at each community.  Please visit www.belmontvillage.com and click the American Heroes Photography Project link on our homepage for updates.
  
  
• Tom Sanders - Portfolio and contact information available at www.tomsandersphoto.com.
  
  
• Belmont Village/Project Information - Please contact your local Belmont Village community to learn more.
   
• Veterans Benefits - The Community Relations Representatives at each Belmont Village community are available to provide information and resources to answer your questions about the VA’s Aid & Attendance benefit for Assisted Living and Personal Care.

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