This is a time of peace and giving to our fellow man. To that end, and at the request of our students who have served in our nation’s armed services, Touro University California is restoring its historic Mare Island Hospital flag pole to proudly fly the American flag over our campus once again.
Giving Tuesday, much like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, has emerged as an annual event centered on the Thanksgiving holiday. On Tuesday, December 2nd, charities and individuals around the nation will come together for a common purpose – to celebrate generosity and to give on #GivingTuesday 2014
At Touro, giving back to the community is a fundamental value. Our students regularly staff a free clinic that provides healthcare to the underserved community; provide public health programs into the community; and mentor elementary and high school students. On Giving Tuesday, Touro University California will turn its attention to the place we call home – Mare Island, a former Naval Shipyard. Every day, our students walk in the footsteps of American military history, attending classes in buildings designated as historic landmarks. Many of these landmarks are now showing their age.
Our goal is to restore one of these national treasures – the great flagpole at the Mare Island Hospital. Built in 1869, the hospital served tens of thousands of sailors in every world war and conflict until 1996. When the weary and wounded arrived, they were welcomed by the American flag flying atop a majestic 100-foot steel pole, resembling the mast of the great navy ships.
Please help us restore the great flagpole to its former glory. The rich tradition of raising the Stars and Stripes is a touching experience we want to bring back to Mare Island to honor the great men and women who served here in generations past. I hope you will help us spread the word and consider making a donation by visiting www.tu.edu/givenow. Together we can raise the flag on Mare Island!
I wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving and holiday season!