Eddie Bowers
Grand Marshall
America MY HOME SWEET HOME
2016 Morgan Hill Freedom Fest Parade Grand Marshall
Eddie Bowers
For years after his discharge from the Army in 1970 , Eddie Bowers was looking for a way to honor all of those who have served in the Armed Forces . Originally his design for a memorial consisted of a plaque , which then evolved into the current Veteran ’ s Memorial Square , located in the median area at Monterey and First Street . The Memorial was paid for and installed by volunteers . And bright and early every Memorial Day and Veteran ’ s Day since the Memorial was dedicated in May , 1991 you could find this year ’ s 4th of July Parade Grand Marshall , Eddie Bowers officiating over ceremonies honoring all who have served in America ’ s military .
In 1967 after graduating from Live Oak High School , Eddie enlisted , in the Army at 19 . Once basic training was completed he was sent to Vietnam where he spent more than 500 hours as a gunship door gunner during the 26 months he was there . He received two Army commendations for his excellent service and in June 1970 he was Honorably discharged .
When he was two in 1950 Eddie ’ s family moved from Minnesota to Morgan Hill where he spent his childhood . After serving in the Army he returned to Morgan Hill and opened a barbershop on 2nd Street . He worked with the Cosmetology instructor at Gavilan College and awarded scholarships to students interested in continuing their education in the barber / cosmetology field .
During this time he was married and he and his wife of 43 years have two children and one grandson . Through the years he ’ s been involved with the VFW , and helped other veterans obtain medical treatment through the Veterans Affairs Hospital in San Jose . And every year since the Veteran ’ s Memorial Square has been dedicated he has planned and coordinated all of the ceremonies for Memorial Day and Veteran ’ s Day . Eddie exemplifies the saying . . . “ Land of the Free , Because of the Brave .” Thank You Eddie !
Top Photo : Eddie Bower standing proudly beside the Veteran ’ s Memorial he designed and helped build to honor all of America ’ s veterans .
Left : Eddie in the door of a UH1B gunship
24 America MY HOME SWEET HOME P Morgan Hill Freedom Fest 2016