From Supervisor Nelsons newsletter: A Tribute Walt Ehlers Memorial Beneath majestic skies and the attendance of over a thousand military personnel, Veterans, family and friends, Supervisor Nelson’s office, representing the people of Orange County, paid final respects to Medal of Honor Recipient Walt Ehlers of Buena Park this week. Hosted at the Medal of Honor Monument at Riverside National Cemetery that Ehlers and then-Governor Pete Wilson designed and built, an audience of teary-eyed friends heard the legacy of an “American treasure” according to Army Lt. General Perry L. Wiggins who represented the President and Chiefs of Staff. The declarations of courage and heroism was visited by Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Jay Vargas who explained that Walt’s greatest moment was successfully running his squad across the beaches of Normandy on D-day and not suffering a casualty. Walt’s daughter, Catherine Ehlers Metcalf, spoke of a lifetime of memories and his selfless dedication to the military and the protocols of being a Medal of Honor recipient for 50 years. The memorial concluded with former California Governor Pete Wilson citing how Walt was instrumental and inspiring in helping to fund the National World War II Museum and Memorial in DC. Members of the First Infantry Division walked past 4th District representatives Steve Spernak and Mark Lopez as they carried Walt to his final resting place. A 21 gun salute and flag presentation to Walt’s wife Dorothy concluded the honors for one of the last and legendary heroes of the greatest generation.
Posted on: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 15:50:47 +0000
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