The California Veterans Memorial
Site Dedication, Veterans Day, 1992
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Governor Pete Wilson dedicates the memorial site
(Click on thumbnail to see full-size photo)
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"To those veterans of the past, to those who serve in uniform today, to the veterans of the future, this
site and this memorial are but a small token of the appreciation which no words can express and no
conduct adequately repay. At the very least, it will serve for all the rest of us as a reminder of what
we owe"
On Veterans Day 1992, as Americans throughout the nation gathered to honor those who served in the armed
forces, Governor Pete Wilson and dozens of veteran leaders joined to unveil the site marker for a new
memorial honoring all Californians who served in the nation's military. "More than five million
Californians have served in America's armed forces since 1850," said Governor Wilson. "This site will
honor them all. It will be a constant reminder that love of country is strong in California -- that we
have always been blessed by the courage, pride and determination of the brave men and women who fought
and died so that we might be free."
The ceremony marked the launch of a campaign by the California Veterans Memorial Commission to raise
funds to create, build and maintain a memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in Sacramento.
"Contributing to the Memorial is one of the most important ways we have to thank our veterans," said
Ray Sisk, chairman of the commission. The California Veterans Memorial is unique in that it honors all
veterans from the state, regardless of branch, rank or duty.