Showing Gratitude for those that served, promoting patriotism for all.

“Grateful thanks to ParadeRest and all their supporters. Without you, we would not be able to supply hundreds of CARE packages to our deployed troops each year. THANK YOU.”
– Blue Star Families of Central Virginia

“In today’s hostile climate against those who have dedicated their lives to protect and serve their community, I am so grateful for the wonderful men and women that make up the ACPD. I have been fortunate enough to be able to interact with and get to know most of the officers, and I must say the caliber of these individuals is outstanding. They are educated and compassionate. As a resident of Albemarle County, we should all be thankful that we have such an amazing police force in our community. Thank you so much for your dedication and service to us all!”

-Carolyn

”   Thank you to Gratitude Charlottesville for giving me the opportunity to experience the 75th anniversary of the D-day invasion at the National Memorial in Bedford.  I was able to take my young children to this event and we all learned first-had about the tremendous sacrifice made on that day to protect the freedoms we continue to enjoy today.  THANK YOU.”
– Brad

“I have had the pleasure of interacting and getting to know many of the men and women of the Albemarle County Police Department.  I am always so very impressed at the caliber of these individuals. They are educated, well spoken, and always present themselves to the public as calm, capable and respectful.  In this day of hostility towards law enforcement, it takes true dedication to want to continue to serve the public in this capacity.  Our officers are unfortunately underpaid and underappreciated. Those of us who are fortunate enough to live in Albemarle County can be proud of the men and women that are always there to help keep us safe.  My gratitude!”
– Carolyn

“Thank you to all the men and women serving our country and community to keep us safe and free.  I never want to take your willingness to sacrifice for our common good for granted.  THANK YOU.”
– Jorgen

“I want to thank you for the recent Gratitude Charlottesville trip to Bedford VA to the WWII Memorial.  I was very moved as I learned more about the tremendous sacrifice that the residents of that small town made in the D-Day invasion.  Also, you have often used the phrase “Freedom is Not Free” in your communications about our wonderful country.  That thought has impressed me deeply.”   With gratitude, Dave

“Please accept this small donation to the Freedom Fund from Rodney and me.  My father is an MIA from the Korea Conflict, so our veterans and members of the military are near and dear to our hearts. Our warmest regards.”
– Chee

“1SG Doug Buntz thank you for 30 years of service to our nation. You are my hero”
–  MHK

“Thank you to Tony Cruz for your outstanding work with Team Red White and Blue.  Especially your leadership at the 4OF5K race where you were recognized and awarded for being “Most Patriotic”.  Well done!”
–  TMF

“We are grateful for your service to our country, and the respect for the citizens of the United States. Thank you, we are humbled by your sacrifices.”
– Great Harvest Baking Company

“I am always grateful for those who have served, and serve, our nation. I feel this is particularly important to express in divisive times. Our service persons don’t pick the battles, they faithfully follow orders and protect our freedoms to the best of their abilities. I am using this veterans day to offer my thanks.”
– David

“Our preschooler dreams of becoming a police officer.  He lights up with the excitement each and every time he see an officer, a police car, a police toy, a “police dog” (German Shepard).  We often approach officers to say hello and each time we are met with warmth, kindness, and shared excitement for the conversation.  I appreciate these men and women for their patience and kindness and unwavering willingness to share their passion with my children.  Thank you for keeping us safe, ACPD. We feel lucky to be part of this community along side you.”
– Anna

“I am always grateful for those who have served, and serve, our nation. I feel this is particularly important to express in divisive times. Our service persons don’t pick the battles, they faithfully follow orders and protect our freedoms to the best of their abilities. I am using this veterans day to offer my thanks.”
– David

” I was fortunate to be invited to tour the D-Day Memorial ahead of the 75th anniversary ceremonies as part of a contingent from the Charlottesville-Albemarle County area.  It was a great experience meeting and spending time with local area veterans, hearing their stories and experiences along with the personal tour.   Appreciate the significant efforts of Gratitude Charlottesville and ParadeRest on the services they provide to local area veterans, their families and our public safety folks.”
– Trevor

” I thank all local, state and national police men and women who whenever they’re in uniform, risk their lives to keep us safe.”
– John

“Lieutenant Walls organized a heart-warming holiday greeting for Albemarle County citizens last year and will probably be doing it again this year. Albemarle County Police Department officers donned outrageous elf, Christmas tree, Grinch, and Santa’s helpers outfits to spread the holiday spirit.  A cavalcade of police vehicles, lights flashing, sirens beeping, moved through neighborhoods handing out candy canes several nights during the holiday season.  An eye-catching huge blowup Christmas police helicopter was perched on top of one police vehicle.  Santa and all of his helpers passed out candy canes and hearty holiday greetings to kids and their parents.  Kids could be heard calling out to friends, “It’s the Grinch!  The Grinch is here.”  It was terrific to see adults and children streaming out of their homes on a chilly night to have their picture taken with officers dressed as Santa, Grinch, the Christmas tree, and elves.  It takes a lot to get people away from their cell phones and television – Albemarle County officers brought the holiday spirit and a lot of good cheer to many people on a cold, snowy night.  This is just one example of the many different things the officers do to reach out to the people they protect.  Thank you to all of our officers for all the dangerous work they do and for the creativity and spirit they put into the annual holiday Santa Patrol.”

-Susie