Murphys, CA…The Ebbetts Pass Veterans Memorial District would like to invite everyone to come join them Monday, May 26, 2014 for the official Memorial Day dedication ceremony of the new expansion and additions to their existing creek side memorial on Algiers Street in Murphys. The dedication ceremony will kick off with the Calaveras Community Band led by Mic Harper at 10 am followed by Bret Harte HS Senior Brice Gilpan singing the Star Spangled Banner. Colors and wreath placement will be provided by Boy Scout Troop #343 of Murphys. Recognition will then be given to all veterans in attendance and those who are gone but not forgotten. Special guest speaker will be Retired US Navy Captain L. Irving Williams whose combat decorations include, but are not limited to, two Silver Stars, the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts and seven Air Medals. Gail Kautz will do the honors of unveiling the 7’ Bronze Statue with husband John, son Steve, family, the creator of the statue and many, many other special guests at her side. Long time Calaveras County resident, Linda Anderson Woolworth will close the ceremony with her beautiful a cappella rendition of God Bless America…

All United States Military Veterans in attendance will be invited to a complimentary lunch provided by the Kautz Family and Ironstone Vineyards, right there at the memorial site. Guests and family may enjoy lunch for a minimal fee of $10 while the Calaveras Community Band again entertains with their special Memorial Day concert. Just across the parking lot at the Black Bart Playhouse, free WWII movies will be ongoing for those interested.

A few years ago, John and Gail Kautz were attending a Veteran’s Day Ceremony at the site when they approached the Chairman of the EPVMD Board, Jim Carlon. They expressed their appreciation for the district’s memorial and celebration, and shared that they would like to honor and pay tribute to all United States Military Veterans. The Kautz’ proposal to the EPVMD Board was an almost unbelievable offer. The Kautz’ knew of a sculpture artist in Colorado who made bronze statues and after meeting with him, John and Gail offered the incredible donation of a 7’ solid bronze statue of a soldier; along with further landscaping and expansion of the existing site to the EPVMD. Architecture Landscape artist Don Boos, who also designed all of Ironstone Vineyards grounds, presented his vision to both parties. Since January of this year, much time and work has gone into turning this vision into a reality to be shared with the community as a place to come honor and pay tribute to the dedicated veterans who served our nation, and those that are still serving today. Much consideration went into keeping the creek side memorial as a place where both the wetland area and creek “creatures” could also be respected and observed without interruption.

In addition, another shorter wall was constructed to further recognize those individuals who served. You may purchase a brick in their honor by picking up a brochure at the site.

We hope you consider joining the EPVMD and the Kautz family for this memorable event!