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December 31, 2010

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.