A sizable crowd filled the median at Monterey Road and First
Street in downtown Morgan Hill Friday morning as local Vietnam
veteran Eddie Bowers led the 14th annual Veteran
’s Day celebration at the city’s memorial to local residents who
have served their country.
A sizable crowd filled the median at Monterey Road and First Street in downtown Morgan Hill Friday morning as local Vietnam veteran Eddie Bowers led the 14th annual Veteran’s Day celebration at the city’s memorial to local residents who have served their country.
The names on the memorial are those who have died both during times of war and peace. This year, an new name was added, that of a World War II veteran and Morgan Hill resident.
“Today, the flag is flown in honor of Earl S. Rice,” Bowers said. “And we honor all those veterans who have died during peacetime and war.”
Sunlight sparkled through the trees and glinted off the barrel of the bugle, later used to play taps, and a light breeze ruffled the hair of the Carden Academy students in their school blazers as they sang “America the Beautiful,” and “God Bless America.”
Mayor Dennis Kennedy read the names engraved on the plaque of the monument, beginning with World War I veterans. He told the crowd of more than 75 people that he was pleased to see so many of all ages in attendance.
“As I look out, I see many children, I see seniors, adults, and I think it is truly fitting that we gather together today to honor our nation’s veterans,” he said. “We honor all men and women who have fought and are fighting, and those who gave their lives for this country and the ideal for which it stands.”
Local pastor Jack Clegg reminded the crowd that the freedoms enjoyed by Morgan Hill residents were “paid for” by veterans.
“We have all heard the words, ‘All gave some; some gave all,’” he said. “We need to remember freedom is never free … It is because of the American veteran, not the pastor, that we have freedom of religion. It is because of the American veteran, not the reporter, that we have freedom of the press. It is because of the American veteran, not the campus organizer, that we have the right to assemble. It is because of the veteran, not the politician, that we have the right to vote.”
Clegg told the respectfully silent crowd that those currently serving their country also need to be remembered.
“This country too often forgets that we are in a war,” he said. “Our brothers and sisters, our sons and daughters, our husbands and wives are in a place where they really don’t want to be, fighting to preserve our freedoms.”
Bowers, who organizes the event every year, asked the crowd to observe a moment of silence for all veterans. He established the memorial after his own experience in the military. He designed the memorial, that rests in the center of Monterey Road at First Street, and built it with the help of this friends.
“When I came home, I kept thinking of all my friends that passed away in war,” Bowers said. “I wanted something to remember them by. I got permission to build the memorial and decided to do all wars.”
Bowers believes honoring veterans’ memories serves as an important reminder of their precious sacrifices to their countrymen.
“Freedom is not free,” he said. “We cannot forget that. I think 9-11 made a lot of people realize that our freedom is not free. That’s why me must be proud of our military men because they’re risking their lives for us.”
Marilyn Dubil covers education and law enforcement for The Times. Reach her at (408) 779-4106 ext. 202 or at md****@*************es.com.
