CLEARLAKE- The body of Pfc. Ivan Wilson was welcomed home to Clearlake on Thursday. A motorcade led by officers of the California Highway Patrol passed through the city around 3:30 p.m. en route to Jones & Lewis Mortuary in Lower Lake, where a public memorial is being offered today.
The motorcade passed through an arch at Olympic Drive and Uhl Avenue that was formed by aerial fire engines. Lake County Fire Protection District and Lakeport Fire Department hoisted their engine ladders, which were connected at the top of the arch with an American Flag.
Police officers, firefighters and Marines, many of whom were dressed formally in their respective uniforms, lined the road just passed the archway. Around the corner on Lakeshore Drive, various veterans” organizations and other individuals, numerous in number, held flags and saluted the fallen Marine and his family as they passed by.
Many were brought to tears as the procession made its way through the city. For some, it brought realization to the fact that the war in which this young Marine was lost, continues and will take the lives of many more service members before it is resolved. “It ought tears to my eyes because my grandson has to go back over there in January,” said Clearlake Mayor Curt Giambruno.
More than 60 motorcycles representing the Patriot Riders joined the procession, which traveled from Sacramento to Lake County. The riders traveled in front of and behind the hearse that brought the young Marine home. Denise Wilson, mother of the Marine who was lost in combat on July 21, followed directly behind the hearse that carried her son.
Local veterans groups came out to honor the fallen Marine and stood at attention as the procession passed. Members of Caring Veterans, Inc. also came out to show their support, some of whom had traveled from as far as Washington to attend.
“We”re here to honor one of our brothers,” said Al Sablan, service officer from the Fairfield area. Sablan added that the group had heard that there may be protesting at services provided for the fallen Marine. He said he and his group were also here to ensure that there are no disruptions during those services.
“There is no way that any vet is going to be treated the way we were,” said Sally Green, who served her country as Registered Nurse during the Vietnam War.
Funeral services for Pfc. Ivan Wilson, who was reportedly promoted to Lance Corporal posthumously, are scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Clearlake.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
