Posted by: thepinetree on 05/27/2014 07:05 AM
Updated by: thepinetree on 05/25/2015 10:53 AM
Expires: 01/01/2019 12:00 AM
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A Most Memorable Memorial Day Indeed In Murphys (Repost From 2014)
Murphys, CA...The Ebbetts Pass Veterans Memorial District & The Kautz Family invited the public to the official Memorial Day dedication ceremony of the new expansion of their creek side memorial on Algiers Street in Murphys. The dedication ceremony kicked off with the Calaveras Community Band led by Mic Harper at 10 am followed by Bret Harte HS Senior Brice Gilpan singing the Star Spangled Banner...
Sculptor John Kobald With His Beautiful Creation In Murphys
Over 170 Photos Above and Regular and HD Video Of The Ceremony Below. There are slightly higher resolution photos in the gallery if you would like to save any of them. You can also save the entire video to your computer or device.
HD Version Of Ceremony Video
Colors and wreath placement were provided by Boy Scout Troop #343 of Murphys. Recognition was then given to all veterans in attendance and those who are gone but not forgotten.
Special guest speaker was Retired US Navy Captain L. Irving Williams whose combat decorations include, but are not limited to, two Silver Stars, the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts and seven Air Medals.
Gail Kautz with the help of the scouts did the honors of unveiling the 7’ Bronze John Kobald Statue with husband John, son Steve, family, the creator of the statue and many, many other special guests at her side.
Long time Calaveras County resident, Linda Anderson Woolworth will closed the ceremony with her beautiful a cappella rendition of God Bless America...
All United States Military Veterans in attendance were provided a complimentary lunch provided by the Kautz Family and Ironstone Vineyards.
Calaveras Community Band again entertained with their special Memorial Day concert. The Black Bart Playhouse, showed free WWII movies for those interested.
A few years ago, John and Gail Kautz were attending a Veteran’s Day Ceremony at the site when they approached the Chairman of the EPVMD Board, Jim Carlon. They expressed their appreciation for the district’s memorial and celebration, and shared that they would like to honor and pay tribute to all United States Military Veterans.
The Kautz’ proposal to the EPVMD Board was an almost unbelievable offer. The Kautz’ knew of a sculpture artist in Colorado who made bronze statues and after meeting with him, John and Gail offered the incredible donation of a 7’ solid bronze statue of a soldier; along with further landscaping and expansion of the existing site to the EPVMD. Architecture Landscape artist Don Boos, who also designed all of Ironstone Vineyards grounds, presented his vision to both parties.
Since January of this year, much time and work has gone into turning this vision into a reality to be shared with the community as a place to come honor and pay tribute to the dedicated veterans who served our nation, and those that are still serving today. Much consideration went into keeping the creek side memorial as a place where both the wetland area and creek “creatures” could also be respected and observed without interruption.
In addition, another shorter wall was constructed to further recognize those individuals who served. You may purchase a brick in their honor by picking up a brochure at the site.
It was a A Most Memorable Memorial Day In Murphys
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