Veterans gather for November 11 commemorations at the Vietnam Monument. Photo by Susan Maxwell Skinner

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Carmichael’s Vietnam Memorial was last weekend central to Veterans Day commemorations. Flags, music and memories were shared by more than 120 visitors. The ceremony was also livestreamed.

 The first-known California monument to the Vietnam War, the memorial is considered a hallowed part of the Koobs Nature Area. First dedicated in 1973, its steel edifice honors La Sierra High School graduates who died in the Vietnam War.

 Speaker Edric Cane, an educator and veteran of the French Army, said he was grateful to be at Carmichael’s monument every year. He had visited American war memorials in his native France and was glad to honor American service men for all they sacrificed to end WWI and WWII. “When you look at their tombs, you see how young they were,” said Cane. Like most French people, I am grateful to them.”

 Carmichael rock singer Todd Morgan led ceremony participants in Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World,” an anthem to peace that came out of Vietnam War years.

 La Sierra High School administrator Tony Asaro read the names of deceased La Sierra teachers who served in WW II, Korea, and Vietnam conflicts.

 The Vietnam Monument is located in Koobs Nature Area, 5325 Engle Rd, Carmichael. Access is available first Saturdays of every month, March through October. For information, go to the Koobs Nature Area Facebook page. Supporters include Carmichael Kiwanis, La Sierra High School Alumni, California Montessori Project and BEAS Academy, Carmichael Park District, San Juan School District, volunteer gardening groups and Boy and Girl Scouts.