I had no idea what I was in for when I went to shoot this "little" memorial ceremony. When I got there it was kind of a big deal. I had no idea that every veteran that lived in Buena Park, my hometown, would be present as well as BP honoring every soldier who had made the ultimate sacrifice with a memorial. A few of the families of the soldiers were there to witness it and it was emotional. My last blog was about this event if you would like to see pictures of the ceremony and I included a link below. However, I also had the pleasure of being in the presence of one of the few World War II Congessional Medal of Honor recipients living, which is why I wanted to dedicate a blog just to him as well as a few other people in attendance. My dad, Jim Dow, clued me in on who Ehlers was. He told me that every president since has invited him personally to the White House. Men wanted to shake his hand. I would hear them say things like, " I saw you on the History Channel," or "I have watched so many documentaries that you were in." He has great respect in this nation. He led his troops and risked his life. He also lost a bother that was dear to him in that war. After the ceremony, Ehlers was pulled aside with just his daughter and was led to a plaque. Ehlers unveiled the plaque (pictured below) to see a dedication made to his brother who gave his life. On the top it reads: "My Brother was my Hero." Ehlers began to weep......and so did I!
Blog of Veterans Day Memorial:
http://jaimeehubert.blogspot.com/2010/11/buena-park-honors-fallen-warriors.html
Walter D. Ehlers on Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_D._Ehlers
Miller Oh, Just voted into Buena Park City Councilman
Elizabeth "Beth" Swift, just voted into Buena Park City Coucil
Orange County Supervisor, Shawn Nelson pictured with Ehlers.
Lou Correa, California State Senator pictured with Ehlers
Former Mayor and Councilman Jim Dow, Mayor Pro Tem Fred Smith, Incoming Councilman Miller Oh. (First Korean in US to make it into office first time running)
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Jaimee I am the mother of Summer Smith and she asked me if I had seen your blog - when I said no she immediately brought it up. Jaimee I was moved to tears, I shared it with my husband who was also touched by the beautiful photos and the wonderful comments you made. I have the pleasure of working with Kim Garber and I am so very proud to have been part of her team in creating this event. Thank you for your wonderful contribution.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree. Thank you for posting the photos.
ReplyDeleteSpecial thanks to Kim Garber, who without her support, this memorial could never happen. I thought this would be a good idea, and she did too, to honor Mr. Ehlers' hero, his brother Roland. I'm happy to see we could do it at the Ehlers Community and Recreation Center. Where both brothers names will be there for generations to see. We are fortunate to have Mr. Ehlers, one of our countries most decorated WWII Vets as our neighbor in Buena Park.