Nov. 11 observances at Carmichael Vietnam Memorial united Gold Star families and war veterans.

 

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Carmichael's Vietnam Memorial was last weekend central to Veterans Day remembrances. Flags, music and memories were shared by more than 150 visitors.

The first-known California monument commemorating the Vietnam War stands in Koobs Nature Area on Engle Road. The site honors 15 La Sierra High School graduates who fell in service from 1967 to 1970.

Veteran Mike Koons told the gathering that the ceremony was a reminder that freedom and peace are not accidental.

“They result from generations that stood up and said, ‘I will go. Send me,’” said Placer County Sheriff’s Chaplain Mike Koons.

Sherriff’s Chaplain Mike Koons plays Taps at the Vietnam Memorial. Musician Todd Morgan stands in reverence.

While members of the armed forces represent less than one percent of the U.S. population, he said, they carry the burden for the nation.  

“Veterans remind us of who we are, at our best,” said Koons.

 A bell chime punctuated names of the La Sierra alumni heroes who inspired students and faculty to raise a monument honoring their shortened lives. To end the ceremony, rock singer Todd Morgan sang, “What a Wonderful World” and Chaplain Koons played Taps.

Navy veteran and La Sierra High School alum Doug Lindsey sounds a bell in memory of the fallen during Veterans Day observances at the Vietnam Monument in the Koobs Nature Area.

Heroes named on the Vietnam monument 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.

Earl J. Koobs Nature Area is open to visitors. For more information, go to www.carmichaelkiwanis.org or visit the Koobs Nature Area site on Facebook.