A most exciting happening for veterans and for all who respect veterans is in the making. The Citrus Heights Veterans Memorial Project (CHVMP) is bringing the West Coast a permanent replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial that resides in Washington, D.C.
This Vietnam Veterans Memorial will be the first of its kind located west of Missouri. While several partial reproductions and smaller models of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial do exist, none are a complete replica.
The replica has the full support and partnership of the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Fund in Washington, D.C. Maya Lin, architect of the original Vietnam Veterans Memorial, also offers her full support.
The Vietnam Memorial will be constructed in the Veterans’ section of Calvary Cemetery. Championed by West Coast veterans, families and businesses, the project has partnered with the City of Citrus Heights and Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services.
The idea for the project came after The Wall That Heals, a traveling replica, was displayed in Citrus Heights in 2023. More than 10,000 people came from all over the West Coast to honor deceased veterans at that temporary memorial. Citrus Heights veterans began brainstorming possibilities for a permanent memorial.
The CHVMP is the veterans organization formed to construct the permanent replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. This memorial will provide an opportunity for Westerners to pay their respect without the cost of a long trip.
The replica is being constructed in a location that will be visible to traffic on Highway 80 so that passersby will be able to view it from their cars. The location also has ample space for future memorials meant to honor others who selflessly gave their lives in the ultimate sacrifice.
There is parking for an abundance of visitors with a designated area for buses in hopes that tour buses will bring those who wish to give their respects, and schools will make the memorial a destination for field trips.
On their web page, the CHVMP explains that their mission is “to honor and remember the courageous men and women who served our nation,” and they hope the memorial will “serve as a beacon of remembrance for future generations.”
The City of Citrus Heights and all other public entities have approved building plans. According to project co-chair Scott Miller, “Everything is in order to pull building permits.”
The city has secured three contractors to provide construction services at a significant discount. The first contractor will focus on demolition and grading, while the second will build roads and parking areas.
The third contractor will take charge of constructing the foundation and attaching the granite panels. They will also supervise the installation of all underground utilities, the construction of pathways and general landscaping.
Miller concludes, “With all preparation work in place, the goal now is 100 percent focused on fundraising. The agreement between the City of Citrus Heights, Calvary Cemetery and the CHVMP stipulates that the project must be 100 percent funded prior to construction. The agreement includes an established endowment care fund.”
According to Vietnam Veterans Memorial records, nine names have a local “Home of Record.”
The Memorial Wall commemorates Sherman Monk, Dean Raschke, Linus Roe, Dillard Rye and Raymond Templeton of Dos Palos, as well as Frank Celano, John Norris III, Vernon Sandvig and William Scanlon of Los Banos.
Let us pause to remember these brave soldiers and their families on Veterans Day.
Please visit www.chvmp.org for more information about the Citrus Heights Veterans Memorial Project. Everyone who gives even a small donation, possibly to honor local fallen soldiers, will be part of making this important project a reality.
Imagine the thrill of driving on Highway 80, seeing the Wall standing tall and knowing you contributed to honor those who lost their lives in the Vietnam conflict.
Janet Miller is a freelance writer specializing in family faith. She offers Family Prayers and Activities: Weekly Guides on compact disc for families to explore the Bible together. Email jmiller@dospalos.org.)
