Braving heavy rain, Carmichael Scouts present flags for observances.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Eighty supporters endured a rainy Nov. 11 to observe Veterans Day in Carmichael.

“We’re grateful for the rain,” noted the celebrant, Reverend Kathleen Marie, whose brother, Thomas, is among heroes honored by the memorial. “In a drought, rain is something to be thankful for.” 

Huddled under umbrellas, the gathering heard Vietnam War veteran Smokey Murphy’s address. The former Army Airborne officer and La Sierra High School teacher said he preferred not to hear the word “celebrate” in terms of remembering veterans.

“There’s nothing to celebrate,” said the 80-year-old. “We're honoring 15 young men who gave their lives. They all had families who suffered as a result. My wife had to look after our one-year-old son without a father. My family had to experience my coming home with PTSD. When I returned, my dad was a shell of the father I’d left behind. He’d worried about me every day.

Family members of heroes commemorated by Carmichael’s Vietnam War monument gather for Veterans Day services. The central plaque recalls La Sierra High School alumni who died in Vietnam. Gold Star kin are Stephen Rainville (left), brother of Randall Rainville; Jim Byrnes, brother of Robert Byrnes; Kathleen Marie (front left), sister of Thomas Pigg and Rose Richards, an in-law of Kenneth Escott.

“Once a year, my (La Sierra High) history students would ask me about the war,” Murphy continued. “I couldn’t talk about it without being in tears. When you say ‘thank you for your service’ to a veteran, please don’t be upset if you don’t get the response you expect. Some of us don’t know how to reply. For some of us, it’s still tough.”

Carmichael’s Vietnam memorial is a hallowed part of the Koobs Nature Area. First dedicated in 1972, it honors La Sierra High School alumni who died in the long conflict.

Those commemorated are Robert D. Anderson, Mark W. Burchard, Robert S. Byrnes, Jerry Cowsert, Kenneth R. Escott, Gary R. Field, Herbert Frenzell, Frank Thornburg, Ralph Guarienti, Larry H. Morford, Thomas C. Pigg, Randall B. Rainville, Kim Richins, Jeffry Tharaldson and Robert A. Willis.

Koobs reserve is located at 5325 Engle Road, Carmichael. Access is available first Saturdays monthly, March through October. For information, go to Koobs Nature Area’s Facebook page.