Last week, former Sunnyvale, CA mayor and current city council member Otto Lee celebrated his safe return from Iraq with a wonderful welcome back party of over 300 guests. Numerous Asian American public officials came out that evening, including California State Controller John Chiang, State Assembly Member Ted Lieu, State Assembly Member Paul Fong, Cupertino Vice Mayor Gilbert Wong, Campbell Mayor Evan Low, former Mountain View mayor and city council member Margaret Abe-Koga, Palo Alto city council member Yiaway Yeh and many more.
Lee ensured that the event commemorated more than his return. Other attendees included many other veterans and military support groups who spoke about their missions, such as Gold Star Moms (an organization for mothers of fallen soldiers) and Blue Star Moms (mothers of current soldiers serving in conflicts). Hearing about their sacrifices reminded us not only what those in our armed services sacrifice for our country, but what their families sacrifice as well.
The highlight of the evening was Lee’s heartfelt gratitude for all the support that he and his family received while away in Iraq. He shared an overview of his experience in Iraq, along with some photos. Most heartwarming was Lee thanking his mother for her ongoing support with flowers, while tears flowed down her face. Commander Otto Lee, thank you for you and your family’s sacrifice. Welcome back!
