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Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation

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Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation

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Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation is committed to honoring the men and women who have served in U.S. military efforts. He landed in Chicago in 1938.

Pierre Claeyssens, Philanthropist and name sake for the Foundation was born in Antwerp, Belgium in 1909. Claeyssens spoke often of his childhood memories of World War I. Drafted into the Belgian army at age 21, he found himself unsuited to peacetime military life and ended his service to return to architectural training. Claeyssens left Belgium at the age of 30 with Europe on the verge of another major war. Soon the young architect emigrated to California, serving the war effort by helping design Liberty ships at Terminal Island during World War II. In the decades following the war, Claeyssens worked as an architect designing schools, libraries and other public buildings throughout Southern California, including a school in the town of Lompoc. He married the late Ailene Wood, an oil heiress from Santa Barbara, and was never shy about recounting how he became a multimillionaire. And for the rest of his life he unceasingly expressed his profound gratitude to the American GIs who helped free his native Belgium in the two World Wars.. Claeyssens was a beloved figure in the world of Santa Barbara philanthropy, largely confined to a wheelchair in his later years but remembered by those who knew him as a man who never lost his gentle outlook on life, his vitality, and his enthusiasm for helping other people. The Wood-Claeyssens Foundation, established in 1980, now distributes $3 million annually to more than 200 charities. Asked about his special feelings for the military, Claeyssens said: "First of all, Americans set Belgium free. I still feel an obligation to the United States, especially the military. That's why I am behind the idea of a museum to honor the soldiers who died. To be killed in a war is not the worst that can happen. To be lost is not the worst. To be forgotten is the worst." Pierre died in 2003, but his legacy lives on. He will never be forgotten.

09/30/2026

Honoring a life of courage, service, and dedication.

Family, friends, and community members are invited to gather at Santa Barbara Cemetery on Friday, October 2, at 1:15 PM to celebrate the life and legacy of World War II veteran Arthur "Art" Petersen.

A decorated 101st Airborne paratrooper, Purple Heart recipient, and beloved local resident, Art spent over eight decades giving back to Santa Barbara. The graveside ceremony will feature military honors by the 101st Airborne Division, a T-34 aircraft flyover, bagpipe tributes, and more.

Santa Barbara Cemetery (901 Channel Dr)
Friday, Oct 2 | 1:15 PM

Open to the public. Learn more about the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation at pcvf.org.

07/04/2026

Don't miss out TODAY at 5:00 PM—come celebrate the 4th of July with us! Bring your low beach chairs and pack your picnics for an amazing hour of FREE festive performances at the Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Gardens. For more info, visit https://www.pcvf.org/4t-of-july-concert.

07/03/2026

Tomorrow is the day! Don’t miss the Prime Time Band at our exciting 4th of July Concert! This talented group of amateur musicians is ready to fill the Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Gardens with “Sounds of America," a musical retrospective featuring classic tunes from pop, rock, musicals, and movies. Join us for an evening of free music and community celebration! https://www.pcvf.org/

07/02/2026

Our 4th of July Concert is just around the corner! We extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors and donors who make these events possible. At Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation, we are committed to honoring the men and women who have served in uniform. We work hard to support our veterans, active duty members, and partner organizations in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties while preserving military history and legacy. We strive to fulfill Pierre Claeyssens’s vision that those who have served are "Never Forgotten." If you’d like to support our mission, please visit https://secure.givelively.org/donate/pierre-claeyssens-veterans-museum-and-library-foundation.

07/01/2026

Our 4th of July concert is in a few days! Don't miss out on a spectacular patriotic concert hosted by the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation, featuring the renowned Prime Time Band of Santa Barbara.This year, the PrimeTime Band presents “Sounds of America," a musical retrospective featuring classic tunes from pop, rock, musicals, and movies—including hits from The Beach Boys, The Incredibles, and "Over the Rainbow." Arrive early to grab a good spot on the grass, and don't forget your picnic, low beach chairs, and blankets. This FREE event kicks off at 5:00 pm at the Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Gardens. See you there!

06/29/2026

Experience the joy of Santa Barbara’s beloved Prime Time Band at our annual 4th of July Concert! Comprising over 75 passionate amateur musicians, this ensemble’s mission is to bring free, high-quality music to our community. “Sounds of America," a musical retrospective featuring classic tunes from pop, rock, musicals, and movies. More details about the event can be found at https://www.pcvf.org/4t-of-july-concert.

06/26/2026

Anikka Abbott is this year’s special guest! Join us for a remarkable evening as TV News Personality Anikka Abbott graces the stage as a guest vocalist with the 75+ member Prime Time Band. Don’t miss this exciting addition to our upcoming concert on the 4th of July at 5:00 pm at the Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Gardens. https://www.pcvf.org/

06/24/2026

Celebrate Independence Day with an unforgettable outdoor concert! Enjoy a FREE festive musical lineup featuring a performance by the 75+ member Prime Time Band with special guest Anikka Abbott. Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Gardens, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, presented by the Pierre Clayessens Veterans Foundation. Learn more: https://www.pcvf.org/

The Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation in Santa Barbara, CA contributes directly to UCSB ROTC, the Veterans Resource Center at UCSB, and SBCC’s Veterans Support and Resource Center, and supports ending homelessness in the veteran community, ensuring that all veterans are “Never Forgotten.”

06/22/2026

Experience the joy of Santa Barbara’s cherished Prime Time Band at our annual 4th of July Concert! Comprising over 75 talented amateur musicians, this vibrant group's mission is to deliver free concerts for our community. Join us for “Sounds of America," a musical retrospective featuring classic tunes from pop, rock, musicals, and movies—including hits from The Beach Boys, The Incredibles, and "Over the Rainbow." https://www.pcvf.org/4t-of-july-concert.

06/20/2026

Join us for a spectacular FREE Independence Day Concert on Saturday, July 4 at 5:00 PM at the Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Gardens. Enjoy an unforgettable evening with the PrimeTime Band, featuring special guest vocalist Anikka Abbott, TV News Personality.This year, the PrimeTime Band presents “Sounds of America," a musical retrospective featuring classic tunes from pop, rock, musicals, and movies—including hits from The Beach Boys, The Incredibles, and "Over the Rainbow." Bring a blanket and beach chairs for a cozy and fun-filled night. For more information, please visit https://www.pcvf.org/

Address

1187 Coast Village Road, Ste 1
Santa Barbara, CA
93108

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+18052594394

Website

http://www.pcvf.org/

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