CLEARLAKE — Boy Scout Troop No. 44 leader Anthony Porter said, “The patriot volunteer, fighting for country and his rights, makes the most reliable soldier on earth (Thomas Jefferson),” during Friday”s ceremony dedicating Highway 53 as the Lake County Veterans Memorial Highway.
A full house attended the ceremony held at the American Legion Post Hall No. 437 in Clearlake. The event was the culmination of a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Clearlake Rotary Club that was supported by Assemblyman Wesley Chesbro and area veterans” organizations and local government officials.
“The Scouts of Troop 44 are blessed and honored to serve as the Honor Guard for today”s dedication,” Porter said. “We are grateful for those who have served, bled and died for this great country; a country that we have the privilege to call our home.”
Following inspirational words by Pastor Richard Bean, Clearlake Rotarian Bill Cornelison introduced dignitaries and thanking all those in attendance.
He quickly turned the podium over to fellow Rotarian Carl Webb, who, while on a fishing trip, was inspired to bring the dedication effort to the club. “I saw a sign and the sign said ?Humboldt Veterans Memorial Highway” and I thought to myself ?why doesn”t Lake County have a veterans memorial highway?””
He said the idea was met with immediate support and enthusiasm not only within the club but also by legislators in position to help make the idea a reality.
He recognized Assemblyman Wesley Chesbro for introducing the resolution to the legislature that ultimately led to the dedication of the highway, which he said was signed into law by the governor this past spring.
Webb said that the death of Clearlake”s Lance Corporal Ivan Wilson, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2008, played a role in his pursuing the dedication. He shared word shared by Wilson”s fellow Marines after his death. One soldier wrote: “He will never be forgotten by the Marines who served with him.”
In another letter to Wilson”s mother, a fellow soldier”s mother conveyed appreciation for Wilson” having saved her son”s life.
“This is just one example of the warrior we have and how they served our country,” Webb said. “To all who served and are serving: every one of you is a hero.”
Webb also recognized Sgt. 1st Class David Hartman, of Kelseyville, for his sacrifice for his country. Hartman died in Pakistan in February 2010.
Frank Parker, president of the United Veterans Council of Lake County, thanked the packed house for their attendance.
He recognized an endless list of supporters including the numerous area veterans” organizations that supported the effort. “Thank you for coming. I know all the veterans appreciate it,” he said “The veterans of Lake County say thank-you to all.”
Clearlake Mayor Joyce Overton expressed gratitude for the freedoms ensured by American soldiers. “Most people don”t realize how lucky we are because we have these people who have given us our freedoms,” she said. “We are grateful for all of them who have fought for us and who are still fighting for us today.”
Lake County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jim Comstock expressed pride in having served his country and gratitude for fellow soldiers. “Serving as a supervisor is a privilege. Serving as a veteran is one of the greatest honors I”ve had in my life,” he said. “Veterans, thank-you, for who you are, what you”ve done and what you”ve stood for. Freedom is not free.”
Comstock brought attention back to little Mekenna Rose Enger, who delivered a grand performance of the National Anthem during the event. He told the little girl that she was the legacy for which all soldiers fight.
Chesbro was unable to attend Friday”s ceremony; however, Representative Ruth Valenzuela delivered words on his behalf. “For the Assemblyman, this was easy one,” she said. “We didn”t have to convince anybody this was a real important thing to do.”
Valenzuela said that there are many outstanding individuals who are willing to step forward when they are called upon to serve their country and put themselves at risk in order to protect America”s freedoms.
She said when Chesbro was approached in 2009 and asked for assistance in designating Highway 53 as the Lake County Veterans Memorial Highway, he was honored.
At the beginning of 2010 he introduced a resolution to express the legislature”s appreciation to the two million veterans in California and to their brothers and sisters in arms who reside in Lake County and the service they provide to the country and the state.
Valenzuela said the resolution to honor all veterans was inspired by the deaths Wilson and Hartman. “To the families of those two brave men, there simply are no words to express our gratitude for their sacrifice and our sorrow for your loss,” she said. “With this dedication, we honor them ? along with all the men and women who have given so selflessly ? so that we may continue to live safe and free.”
Phil Frisbie, Jr., public information officer for Caltrans, said that the actual signs are on their way. Replicas were unveiled at the ceremony. “Thank-you to all veterans of Lake County for all you”ve done,” Frisbie said.
Unveiling honors were held by Pearl Harbor Survivor Walter Urmann and World War II Veteran Bob Tucker.
The ceremony closed with a three volley gun salute by the Military Honors Team of Lake County and the playing of “Taps” by buglers Boyd Green and Bill Vann.
Highway 53 is a seven-mile, north/south artery that connects highways 20 and 29 in Lake County. Highway 53 provides access to the City of Clearlake, the community of Lower Lake and Anderson Marsh State Historical Park.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call 994-6444, ext. 14.
