Veterans Honored in Murrieta

Veterans young and old flocked to Historic Downtown Murrieta Friday, as did the crowds who came to honor them.

The city of Murrieta kicked off its Veterans Day celebration with a parade along Washington Avenue and B Street, and concluded the affair with the unveiling of its Korean War Monument Wall, the second in a series of nine war memorial walls planned for Town Square Park.

Thousands lined the streets, peering upward as a Boeing C-17A from March Field flew over, signifying the start of the parade.

The 1st Marine Division Band from Camp Pendleton was the official band, complimented by the Vista Murrieta High School Golden Alliance Marching Band.

Preceded by combat tanks and vehicles were local Boy and Girl Scout Troops, one of which marched while holding a giant American Flag. The Temecula Valley Young Marines also hoisted a giant flag along the parade route, while ROTC groups from Great Oak and Murrieta Valley high schools marched in rhythm.

Army Reservist David Ray, 40, sat in uniform watching the parade with his two sons while his daughter marched with a group. Ray is preparing for his first deployment in January, and said joining the military was something he'd wanted to do all his life.

"All of my family members have served, I just never had the opportunity until now," Ray said.

Of the parade, Ray said, "It is good to never forget how many people are making sacrifices for our freedoms."

And while the Korean War--1950-1953--is sometimes branded the "Forgotten War," its veterans were not when was officially unveiled following the parade. More than 100 Korean War veterans were in attendance after being invited by the city.

Lea Kolek, management analyst for the city of Murrieta, was charged with locating the veterans. She said she contacted local VFW and American Legion branches throughout the surrounding areas, and worked with the city's Veterans Memorial Committee.

Army Veteran and Murrieta resident Tom Courbat, 64, is on the Veterans Memorial Committee. He explained that the images on the wall were taken from photographs collected from those who fought in the respective wars.

One of the images collected shows the barbed wire along the 38th Parallel, separating North Korea and South Korea. The wall depicts the parallel, with an intentional line etched in the granite.

City Councilman Rick Gibbs, who served in the Air Force, was the keynote speaker during the unveiling ceremony. Gibbs narrated the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, a 17-day Korean war battle in which UN troops were surrounded by 60,000 Chinese troops. It was fought during November and December of 1950, which meant freezing temperatures.

Those who survived the battle came to be known as the "Chosin Few."

Among the "Chosin Few" present Friday was Army Lance Cpl. James Warrick, 80, of Hemet. Warrick did not re-enlist following the Korean War.

"That was enough," Warrick said, as he gazed at the wall, remembering.

Army Lance Cpl. Paul Close, 86, of Wildomar, served 20 years, including in World War II and the Korean War. Close was brought to the unveiling Friday by his son, Todd Close.

"None of his kids went on to serve; he never pushed us," Todd said. "But he has a granddaughter in the Air Force now, so he is thrilled."

Residents were able to pay respect to veterans with the backdrop of the Rotary Club of Murrieta's Field of Honor. It is the third year the club has worked together with the city to pay tribute to veterans, active duty military and first responders with a field of flags.

Along with Gibbs, the four other Council members were on hand for the parade and the wall unveiling. Mayor Pro Tem Doug McAllister gave credit to city staff for the successful event--which organizers said was the largest yet of nine Veterans Day parades.

"The Council is here, but it is the staff who has put this on," McAllister said. "The staff worked again with the Rotary Club for the third year to make this happen."

McAllister said the memorial walls serve as a reminder for the community of the freedoms enjoyed.

"This is all about what matters and remembering what matters," McAllister said. "This is about kids not even being born yet being reminded of what these veterans went through for their freedoms.

"Once we start forgetting about what matters it will not bode well for the future."