Gold Star families and supporters assemble at the Wall of Honor in Patriots Park, Fair Oaks. The monument commemorates local law enforcers, firefighters and military who died in service.

FAIR OAKS, CA (MPG) - Gold Star families and community leaders gathered last weekend to recall fallen heroes of nation and community. The Wall of Honor ceremony is annually observed at Patriots Park, a Carmichael Park District property in Fair Oaks.

The reserve’s stone monument is dedicated to 15 local men, from military, police, CHP and firefighting ranks, who died in service since the park district’s establishment. Plaques recall sacrifice from Vietnam War years until more recent tragedies.

“I’m proud we have such an important monument here,” noted County Supervisor and former CHP officer Rich Desmond. “There is no service more meaningful that being willing to give your life for your community. It’s a solemn privilege to honor these heroes.”

The monument and its 15 plaques are a profound reminder of the cost of liberty, according to state Sen. Roger Niello.

“The sacrifice of these men is a testament to the power of love,” Niello said. “This wall doesn’t speak but it stands forever as testimony to the community’s gratitude for their service.”

The Sacramento Sheriff’s Honor Guard present colors to begin Wall of Honor observances.

Congressman Ami Bera’s representative Matthew Ceccato (a Purple Heart recipient) quoted military slang that indicates loyal support.

“We’ve got your six,” Ceccato said, which indicates that buddies have you covered. “We’re here to prove to the men on this wall that we've got their six. Each one of them stood up and did his duty for us. We can never forget our debt to them and their families.”

The Wall of Honor commemorates the following men:

Sheriff’s Deputy Robert French; CHP Officer Ronald E. Davis; Army Specialist James E. Schlottman; Army Lieutenant Robert S. Byrnes; Air Force Captain Olin E. Gilbert Jr; Army Sergeant Larry H. Morford; Firefighter Dean W. Rhoades; Navy pilot Lieutenant J. G. David A Warne; Marine and firefighter Sergeant Brian E. Dunlap; Sheriff’s Deputies Kevin P. Blount and Joseph M. Kievernagel; Army Sergeant Ronald L. Coffelt; Army Specialist Raymond Nigel Spencer Jr; Sheriff’s Deputy Danny Oliver; Sheriff’s Corporal Bruce R. Verhoeven; and Sheriff’s Deputy Patrick Blount.

Anyone can visit Patriots Park at 6827 Palm Ave., Fair Oaks.