The Memorial Site

The Search:

The search to build several Veterans Memorial Monuments began. The group wanted the Memorial Monuments in close proximity. The first of the Memorials is to be built at Truxtun and S Streets.

The Architecture:

The architecture of the memorial was designed by John Cohrs. The design of the memorial at Truxtun and S Streets was originally a labyrinth, a spiritual meditation tool that represents a journey to our center and back again out into the world. Inherent in a memorial is a memory and reflection, a place for contemplation and understanding. The path around the memorial will consist of an outer ring that is level and continuous. From this place, one can take a journey that describes deep the memories. At the Center of the memorial there will be another level place that contains a sculpture piece. The sculpture will represent the strength and sacrifices of the veterans.

Unveiling Ceremony:

On November 1, 2004, an unveiling ceremony was held at the Memorial Site. Don Jaeger, President of Greater Bakersfield Convention & Visitors Bureau adjacent to the memorial site, hosted the event and acted as Master of Ceremony. Chaplin Fred Cotterier, a Purple Heart survivor in Germany's “Battle of the Bulge” gave the invocation. The Army ROTC from West High School presented our flag. Fifteen-year-old Kimberly Helton, granddaughter of our foundation board member Leon Thomas sang, “I’m Proud to Be an American.” Our speakers for the event were Bakersfield City Councilwoman Sue Benham in whose ward the site is located, Dr. Larry Reider, Superintendent of Kern County High Schools, retired Navy Lt. Commander and Kern County Supervisor Jon McQuiston, retired Lt. Colonel Dick Rutan a true aeronautical legend that flew 220 combat missions over Vietnam and was shot down on his 105th reconnaissance mission flying a “Misty”. He evaded enemy capture by being rescued by an American helicopter team. His commendations include a Silver Star, five Distinguished Flying Crosses, 16 Air Medals and a Purple Heart. Our Congressman Bill Thomas, a very strong ally for veteran’s affairs, rounded our panel of speakers and gave credit where it was due to his Bakersfield’s Constituent Services and extension of his right arm, Billie Jo Medders.

After the speakers, Councilwoman Sue Benham, John Cohrs (primary memorial design architect, an associate of Ordiz/Melby) and Andy Wahrenbrock, Chairman of our board, unveiled the monument conceptual design drawing.