"The reading of Names From The Wall" (KIA & MIA from
California)
At The California Vietnam Veteran's Memorial in Sacramento
May 25th 2003
Ceremony Agenda
7:00 AM
Posting of colors by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 500, Sacramento
Valley
7:05 AM
Invocation & welcoming remarks - Rev. Bill McDonald, Vietnam
Veteran Crew-chief/door-gunner 128th Assault Helicopter Company
7:10 AM
The reading of names begins.
12:00 PM
Event Ceremonies begin - The name reading stopped and resumed 30 minutes
afterwards.
Event Program
Welcome and Opening Remarks - Dave Bender, Master of Ceremonies
Pledge of Allegiance - Rio Linda Junior High Cadet Corp. Commandant Rich
Stanley
Invocation - Malenda E. Smith, Chaplain Veterans Affiliated Council
National Anthem - Sung by Diana Titus, AVVA - Chapter 500
Acknowledgement of Dignitaries
Acknowledgement of All Veterans from all Wars
Remarks: "The Rescue of 'Baby Kathleen' - in 1969 and the Reunion in 2003".
Rev. Bill McDonald
Talk was in reference to the rescue of 3 week old baby in Vietnam by
American troops. Reunion took place as part of the filming of the Vietnam war
documentary "In The Shadow of The Blade" - "Baby Kathleen" and her father Marvin
Cord were introduced to the audience at the end of the speech and given a
standing ovation.
Awards: VFW Post #1999
Given in recognition for replacement of Vietnam Map-
Presentation by VVA 500 President Gregory McNeill
POW/MIA Ceremony - Colonel Raymond J. Merritt, USAF,
Ret.
Bagpiper -Chuck Jamison, Vietnam Veteran Pilot - California National
Guard
Keynote Speaker - Brigadier General Robert A.
Cervantes, California National Guard
Singing of "God Bless America" by Sharon Ramsey - former USO Entertainer
in Vietnam
Wreath Laying:
Vietnam Veterans of America
Sacramento Postal Employees Military Veteran's Association
27th Wolfhound Regiment, 25th Inf. Div.
American GI forum
21 Gun Salute
Veterans Affiliated Council , Honor Guard Captain ,
Willie McCray
TAPS - Julle Neria, Buglers Across America
Sacramento High School Tribute
Cadet Master Sergeant Kevin Wolfe, Rio Linda Junior
High Cadet Corp
"Operation Iraqi Freedom" Tribute - Dave
Bender
Closing Song - "God Bless America" - Diana Titus
Closing Prayer - Chaplain Maienda E. Smith
Closing Remarks - Dave Bender
READING OF NAMES RESUMED AFTER CEREMONY
INFORMATION ON PEOPLE IN PROGRAM
Dave Bender:
Weathercaster and reporter from Sacramento's local CBS TV Station KOVR
Channel 13
Dave is a California native. He attended UCSD in San Diego, as well as Palomar
College. He studied Meteorology and Broadcasting to prepare him for the weather
casting.
Dave's career has taken him to Yuma, Arizona, San Diego, Washington DC and of
course , Sacramento. He has worked for several networks over the years. He has
received ten (10) Emmy nominations for Best weathercaster.
Prior to his television career, Dave was an animal trainer for the San Diego
Wild Animal park. He even appeared twice on the Late Show with David Letterman.
Dave is very well known and respected by the local veteran
community. He continues to do all kinds of charity events locally. Dave is a
strong supporter of veterans and his presence each year at this event is
appreciated by all veterans.
Diana Titus: Is a
former "Miss Idaho" in the "Miss America Pageant". She was voted "Miss
Congeniality" by her competitors. Diana performed with the USO worldwide,
brining a touch of home through music to American military troops in South
Vietnam, Thailand, the Pacific, the Mediterranean, Alaska, Hawaii, and the
Marshall Islands. She has opened shows for many famous musical talents such as
Alabama, Merle Haggard, , Hank Williams Jr, to name a few. She is a member of
the Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America. Her husband is also a member of
VVA Chapter 500.
Raymond J. Merritt, Col. USAF Retired:
Flew 100 combat missions in Korean War in F-84. In
September 1965, he was flying combat sorties from Thailand in a F-105 into North
Vietnam. He was shot down over North Vietnam and was captured and held as a POW
until February 12, 1973.
He and his wife now live in Marysville, California. Some of Colonel Merritt's
declarations include: The Silver Star with 1 OCC, Legion of Merit with 1 OLC,
Distinguished Flying Cross with 1 OLC, Bronze Star with Valor Device, Purple
Heart with 1 OLC, and The Air Medal with 8 OLCs.
Brigadier General Robert Cervantes:
Currently a Special Assistant to the Adjutant General, California National
Guard. He holds an Associate , Bachelors and Master Degrees in the Social
Services and a Doctorate in Education Psychology. He lost his younger brother
and several friends in the Vietnam War.
Chuck Jamison: Chuck served
two tours in Vietnam as a Navy Search and Rescue Pilot. He is now a member of
the 59th Army , California National Guard were he plays the bagpipes.
Malenda E. Smith: She is a
sister of a veteran. She has served for 34 years in the Ladies Auxiliary of Post
#1660 and is a five time Past President. She was raised as a preacher's daughter
in the Assembly of God Church. She now serves as Chaplain for the Veterans
Affiliated Council of Sacramento.
Julie Neria: She is a member
of Bugles Across America (BAA). BAA is an organization that plays "taps" at
veteran events and ceremonies and for veteran's funerals.
Rev. Bill McDonald:
United Faith Minister and Vietnam Veteran. A published author, poet and involved
with documentary film making. He currently finished working on a Vietnam War
documentary called "In The Shadow of the Blade".
www.intheshadowoftheblade.com
He is an author of a soon to be released book of his personal experience in war
and peace called, " A Spiritual Warrior's Journey".
McDonald served as a crew-chief/door-gunner with the 128th Assault Helicopter
Company in Phu Loi, Vietnam 1966-67. He was awarded The Distinguished Flying
Cross, Bronze Star, 14 Air Medals and the Purple Heart and several other medals.
He has his Associate Degree from San Jose City College, a Bachelors Degree from
The University of San Francisco and was given an Honorary Doctor of Divinity
Degree from United Faith Ministries.
