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Options to Recognize Santa Ana Residents Who Have Served in the U.S. Military <br />July 21, 2020 <br />Page 3 <br />use space to highlight stories of U.S. military veterans in newsletters, inserts into utility bills, and <br />more. Specifically, the content could include a headshot, name of the individual, branch that they <br />served, as well as the years served. <br />Launch a Digital and Social Media Campaign to Tell Veterans' Stories <br />Similar to the concept of using printed materials to share veterans' stories, the City could launch a <br />digital and social media campaign. By using digital tools such as the City's website, electronic <br />billboards and displays, and City social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Nextdoor), the <br />City could create content that recognizes veterans by name and accompanying biography. <br />Reimagine Military Recognition at the Fourth of July Celebration <br />For the past several years, the City of Santa Ana has hosted an annual Fourth of July celebration <br />at Centennial Park. The purpose of the event is to provide shared space for the community to <br />celebrate and recognize the independence of the United States, as well as to commemorate those <br />who have served in the U.S. military and have fought for and preserved the freedoms that residents <br />enjoy. Currently, as part of the Fourth of July celebration's programming, U.S. military veterans in <br />attendance are invited to gather at the main stage area to be recognized. Members of the Santa <br />Ana City Council and other Orange County elected officials are invited to speak and recognize the <br />participating veterans as well. <br />While the City was unable to host a Fourth of July celebration in 2020 due to COVID-19, the City <br />could consider reimagining the ways in which U.S. military veterans are recognized as part of the <br />Fourth of July celebration. Options to consider include a formal ceremony, a parade, or other <br />activities which focus on veterans. <br />Partner with Veterans -Related Organizations to Support their Existing Programs and Services <br />There are veterans -related organizations throughout Santa Ana and surrounding Orange County <br />that provide networking and other services for U.S. military veterans. These organizations include: <br />Santa Ana College's Veterans Resource Center, Santa Ana Public Library's Veterans Resource <br />Center, County of Orange's Veterans Service Office, the American Legion, VFW, VetNet-Working <br />Wardrobes, State of California Department of Veterans Affairs, State of California Employment <br />Development Department, Santa Ana WORK Center, United Mexican American Veterans <br />Association, OC Veterans Advisory Council, Air Force 2 Workforce, Veterans Legal Institute, and <br />U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list. <br />These organizations work with U.S. military veterans as part of their core operations. By Working <br />collaboratively with these organizations, the City of Santa Ana could potentially find ways to provide <br />support to these organizations to continue to serve and recognize U.S. military veterans who reside <br />in Santa Ana. <br />Veterans Day Events <br />Taking into consideration that the City must adhere to federal guidance, the State of California's <br />stay-at-home requirements, and other health requirements as directed by the California <br />65A-3 <br />