100 plus attend annual ceremony downtown
Vietnam veteran Eddie Bowers helped more than 100 Morgan Hill residents honor and appreciate the town’s military dead, its veterans and those who serve currently, at a Memorial Day ceremony Monday morning.
After a moment of silence to consider the men and women fighting overseas, Bowers began with a bit of insight.
“I know what it’s like in war, what it’s like not to be recognized,” said Bowers, a retired barber. “So, if you see a soldier, comfort him and let him know you care.”
Unlike the almost universal support for World War II and its military heroes, the Vietnam War was so divisive and so many people were against American involvement, that they often took out their frustration on the returning soldiers. Bowers said the double experience – battle in the jungle; battle at home – causes continued nightmares for many.
But on Monday, in Morgan Hill, it was different. Steve Johnson played “Call to the Colors,” while Bowers and Jim Tarp raised the flag in honor of Tarp’s father, Walter, a World War II veteran who had died in October 2003. Tarp’s name will now be inscribed on a brass plaque with others whose flags have flown on the veteran’s memorial flag pole.
David Shebib of Morgan Hill, a new Army Airborne paratrooper who just graduated from “jump school,” held the folded flag at attention until it was time for it to fly.
Just below the big American flag Tarp and Bowers raised a small black flag dedicated to the Vietnam War’s prisoners of war and those still missing in action. The flag flies to remind residents of what happens in war and in prison camps.
Veteran Marty Hall and several Morgan Hill school children laid wreaths on the two memorials in the median at Monterey Road and First Street.
During patriotic songs by teacher Karen Crane’s schoolchildren, more than one elderly veteran put his hand on a fellow vet’s shoulder.
The Rev. Anita Warner of Advent Lutheran Church spoke to the crowd asking them to “honor those who died and those who serve still,” and asking them to speak aloud or to themselves the names of friends who are serving.
Near the end of the ceremony local veteran William Gilmore read the names on the memorial plaques, beginning with World War I. The names of those who died during Vietnam were harder for him to read – that was his war.
As always, the ceremony ended with Johnson playing “Taps.” Trumpeter David Bischoff echoed the music from across the street.
Warner also thanked Bowers.
“Eddie brings us together,” she said.
Bowers, Warner and Johnson went off to the Mount Hope Cemetery on Spring Avenue for the traditional 11am ceremony. Only two women were there, Bowers said, but they made it worthwhile.
“As long as anyone shows up, I’ll be there,” he said.
The crowd was graced by several local World War II veterans. Paul Yokoi wore the red, white and blue hat of the famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team and Military Intelligence Service, composed entirely of Japanese-Americans. And Bill Tykol wore his 1945 uniform.
Shebib, the only serving military man present, said he has been assigned to duty at Fort Richardson in Alaska with the Fourth Brigade, 24th Infantry. His father, George, commander of the local American Legion, said he was very proud of his son.
Carol Holzgrafe covers City Hall for The Times. She can be reached by e-mail at ch********@mo*************.com or phoning (408) 779-4106 Ext. 201.
