September 13, 2007

Past and present history

Dedication of Pat Tillman monument celebrated at New Almaden Day

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

Last Saturday’s annual celebration of New Almaden Day marked the area’s historic mining past and paid tribute to current history with the dedication of the Pat Tillman monument.

San Jose/Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Pat Dando shares her memories of Pat Tillman who went to school with her children. Photo by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

City officials and residents from near and far joined the New Almaden “Jump In” Parade that started the day’s festivities. The “Jump In” signifies that anyone may join in the march.

Homemade floats, horses and their riders, fire trucks, decorated golf carts, convertibles with waving dignitaries and costumed canines walked and drove the 1.4-mile procession from Bertram to Almaden Road and back to the New Almaden Community Center. There were American flags everywhere, something that the close-knit residents display from April to July in honor of Tillman.

“It is so beautiful in New Almaden,” said District 10 Councilmember Nancy Pyle, who participated in the motorcade and dedication. “And what fun. I’m really honored to be here. Pat was a ‘tall poppy.’ He was not afraid to stand out, be a leader and give to society everything he had to give.”

Tall poppy
In Australia, a tall poppy is one who stands tall in a crowd. Such was Patrick Tillman, memorialized with a new monument at Bulmore Park at the corner of Almaden Road and Almaden Way. The memorial dedication displayed two plaques—one for Tillman and the other to the hard rock miners. Both are mounted on a 2-ton granite rock in recognition of the historic area.

The Tillman family, dignitaries Congressman Mike Honda, San Jose/Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Pat Dando, Pyle, Santa Clara County Parks Director Lisa Killough, New Almaden Community Club members and several hundred residents witnessed the dedication and paid tribute to the young local man who gave his life for his country.

Looking on as Dutch Mapes, near left, unveils the Pat Tillman monument, are bronze plaque designer Gil Hernandez, far left, and the hero’s parents, Pat and Mary Tillman. Photo by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

“This was where Pat called home,” said emcee Peggy Melbourne. “This was our boy. He grew up here and we loved him.”

Melbourne shared that she knew Tillman loved New Almaden because whenever he came home from college or when he was off-season from football, he would honk and yell ‘I’m home’ from the end of her driveway.

The New Almaden community loved him as well and orchestrated the building the monument. Melbourne designed and wrote the inscription. Kitty Monahan helped write the grant and secured permission for installation at Bulmore Park. Ninety-one year-old mason Dutch Mapes built the brick base and many community members helped wherever needed.

The Tillman family was involved throughout the process and even created a time capsule of their son’s memorabilia that is buried beneath the monument for posterity.

For their diligence, Congressman Honda presented the New Almaden Community Club with a National Resolution for their efforts.

Food, festivities and fun are had by all at the annual New Almaden Day celebration. Photo by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

Tillman attended Graystone Elementary, Bret Harte Middle and Leland High schools. He received national admiration when he left a lucrative NFL football career with the Arizona Cardinals to enlist as an Army Ranger. He died in Afghanistan in 2004. Subsequently, it was learned that he was killed by friendly fire after an initial cover-up of the actual events. Congress continues to investigate the army’s treatment of the incident. Pat and Mary Tillman, his parents, are still at the forefront trying to uncover the truth of their son’s death.

“For those of you who knew Patrick well and watched him grow up and knew the kind of young man he was and, more important, the kind of adult he became—you are the lucky ones,” said Dando whose children attended Almaden schools with Tillman. “Thank you for letting us join you in celebrating the wonderful life of a young man who died all too soon.”

Food, fun and music
After the dedication, the festivities continued at the New Almaden Community Club where the Mapes family fired up the barbecue with tri-tips. Jan Jones manned the bake sale and later there would be a cakewalk. No one leaves New Almaden Day hungry.

Games of water balloon launch, cinnabar mining, treasure fishing, sponge toss and just clowning around were met with enthusiasm by young and old. Quidditch was the most popular game created by New Almaden artist Gillian Altieri who designed and painted many new backdrops for the celebration.

Ninety-one year old Dutch Mapes, center, was duly surprised being named grand marshal for the parade. His grandson Columbus Mapes is on the left, and his granddaughter Katherine Lerihan on his right. Photo by Ron Horii

The One Eyed Jacks supplied the toe-tapping music that could be heard throughout the historic area and later there was a raffle for prizes. New Almaden Day offers something for everyone, and as usual this year everyone had a good time.

The residents manning the booths are among the important volunteers. Kathy Palmen was in charge of the prizes for lucky children. Mike and Doreen Boulland filled in where necessary whether catching goldfish or retrieving lost balls. It’s a community effort by the New Almaden Day is a community effort residents provide plenty of help to make it a success.

Another dedication was displayed inside the community club. A photograph of Dorothy Minkle, longtime treasurer and resident of the area, who succumbed to Parkinson’s disease this year, is hanging in the room for all to remember her service and friendship.

“We remember all our people in New Almaden,” said Kitty Monahan. “They are all special.”

“New Almaden is a vibrant community,” said resident Mike Boulland. “It’s clean, wholesome, hometown fun for kids of all ages. This is Americana at its best.”