Oroville Mercury Resister
May 22, 1941
Poppy Means Spirit Of Patriotism, Memorial
Flower is Inspirational to United America
Wearing of a memorial poppy on the coat on Poppy
Day, Saturday, May 24, might seem to have no connection with national
defense, but to Katherine Breedlove, national defense chairman of
Oroville unit No. M. of the American Legion Auxiliary, the spirit
of the poppy Is Important to the security of America "More Important
even than airplanes, tanks and guns is the patriotic spirit of the
nation." she said today, while helping the auxiliary prepare for
the observance of Poppy Day. "The poppy, which we will wear on Saturday
in tribute to the men who gave their lives for America twenty-three
years ago, carries an inspiring message for America. It tells of
highest patriotic sacrifice. It brings memories of the days when
life itself was not considered too much to give for America, and
when the nation was united in a spirit of patriotism which brought
quick victory over the enemy. "That Is the spirit we need in America
today as we strive to build up our national defenses. United again
in determination to serve for America, we need have no fear of foreign
aggression."
Oroville Mercury Register
May 8, 1951
News From Oroville Men In The Service
Ray N. Munjar, Fireman, USN Son of Mr. and Mrs.
Louis Gunter of Rose Hill Nursery, Paradise, arrived in Long Beach
last week aboard the anti-aircraft light cruiser USS Juneau after
12 months duty in the Far East. The first American warship
to take part in action against the North Koreans, the Juneau was
credited with sinking 11 vessels during surface attacks. In
support of the United Nations ground troops, her guns destroyed
enemy shore installations at Sam Chock, Chong Dong and Chumonchin.
The Juneau also had the distinction of having her landing force
make a commando raid behind enemy lines where they destroyed a railroad
tunnel 66 miles north of Konan. This unit was later decorated
in a ceremony that marked the first naval decorations of the hostilities.
Oroville Mercury Register
September 9,
1961
Looking Back (15 years ago) 1946
Names on the Memorial Hall Honor Roll were added
yesterday by American Legion members to make what is believed to
be a completed list Albert D’Amico, Legion commander, Neal Hansen
and William H. Gaylord worked on the board. If any veteran,
eligible for the list, is unable to find his name on the board he
should contact Gaylord.
Stu’s Notes: I have always donated
when a man or woman of the American Legion or the Veterans of Foreign
Wars and Auxiliaries’ come by my way and if they didn’t come my
way I track them down. So do your best to find them next May.
They also have them on other special Veterans Days. Four short
years after this pre-war article there were another 400,000 American
men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. So when you
see Jim, Bob, Manuel, Stan, Sherry, Robert, Ronnie, even Bill and
too others come your way reach for your wallet or purse.
Well
I don’t know exactly where it came from but I’m almost certain it
is Federal tax dollars money from the whole United States, I’m pretty
sure it is money to put people to work and why not here in Oroville
to build a beautiful Veterans Memorial Park for all of Butte County.
Yes the Butte County Supervisors voted 5 to 0 to accept this money,
$830,000. It will be used by The Private Industry Council
headed by Bill Finley. Yes we still need more money as our
project is not just a park, but a road and parking. Parking
is something the Veteran’s never had at their home. That’s
what I call their most honored place, a place built for them so
long ago. I always feel honored just to be allowed through
those doors that so many Heroes passed through over the years, many
never to come home. Over the years I’ve heard of this Honor
Roll list that was put together so long ago. Surly it or a
copy must be tucked away somewhere. Maybe it is some where
in the Veterans Hall. Maybe it is in a trunk in someone’s
attic. Hopefully someday it will turn up.
I met one
of those men listed above son. William H. Gaylord, he was
a docent on the USS Hornet, an Aircraft Carrier in Alameda.
He might be gone by now, if not I would like to talk to him again.
This list was actually a big board that was on the front wall of
our Veterans Hall. I have a picture of it. I wish I could
read the names, but it is not a good picture. Be safe and
have a very Happy New Year’s.