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Listen to - "Our National Anthem"

VETERANS PAGE




This page is dedicated to the men and women within California Firemen's Muster Association that have served in the Armed Forces. Remember our Veterans and thank them for the freedom we enjoy.



Mark Bogdan - US NAVY - 1957-1960 Aviation Electricians Mate - VF21 Fighter Squadron USS Midway CV-41 - Mark served two cruises overseas.

Tim Franks - US NAVY - 1989-1993 IC3. Served two years on USS Roark FF-1053, two years USS Arkansas CGN-41

Joe Ramos - US MARINES - 1982-1990 E-4

Amye Coates - US ARMY - 1968-1970 Viet Nam Veteran 69-70 Helicopter Medical Crew Chief E-5

Robert Beach Jr. - US AIR FORCE - 2000 to present - Staff Sergeant - Currently serving in Iraq

Ron Rice - US MARINES - 1947-1955 Korean War Veteran 50-52 - Sergeant Also served 35 years US AIR FORCE RESERVE - #349 Air Wing, head of Civil Engineering - Viet Nam Veteran 69 - Chief Master

Spike Bradbury - US ARMY NAVY - 1946-1949 With occupation force World War II - World War II Veteran - Staff Sergeant

James Oberreurter - US AIR FORCE - 1966-1970 Air rescue airborne firefighter. E-5

Ray Hogland - US ARMY - 1969-1976 Combat Engineer E-7

Jason Cowen - US ARMY - 1992-1998 Served 9 months in Bosnia Spec E-4

Greg Simeral - US ARMY NATIONAL GUARD - 1969-1975 Transportation E-4

Brian Sorenson - US AIR FORCE - 1983-1989 E-5

Joe Rosas - US MARINES - 1984-1988 E-3

Tony Douds - US NAVY - 1988-1990 E-3

Dean Petersen - US AIR FORCE - 1963-1967 Jet engine mechanic E-4

Kurt Taylor - US AIR FORCE - 1983-1987 E-3

Jerry Kaufman - US NAVY - 1967-1971 Viet Nam Veteran 68-69 E-3

Gus Gustafson - US ARMY - 1965-1968 Military Police Sgt E-5 - also served as with Honor Guard at funerals for returning Viet Nam Veterans.

Ken Little - US AIR FORCE - 1954-1958 Training Instructor E A/1st

Robert A. Ware - US NAVY - 1943-1946 PO/2c Air/Sea Rescue Squadron No. 8

Terry Myers - US Navy Seabees - 1966-1968 Viet Nam Veteran 67-68 E-4 Construction mechanic, light & heavy equipment operator.

Boyd Robin - US Navy Seabees - 1961-1964 Mobil Construction Battalion Construction Electrician E-5

Christopher Lofton - US Army - Sgt. currently serving his second tour in Iraq






FOLDING THE AMERICAN FLAG
The Honor Guard will fold the flag 13 times. The 1st fold of our flag is a symbol of life. The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life. The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world. The 4th fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance. The 5th fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong. The 6th fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that We pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all The 7th fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic. The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day. The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded. The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born. The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nations motto, "In God We Trust". After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today. The 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776. LIFE IS NOT MEASURED BY THE NUMBER OF BREATHS WE TAKE, BUT BY THE MOMENTS THAT TAKE OUR BREATH AWAY.

THE HISTORY OF TAPS
Of all the military bugle calls, none is so easily recognized or more apt to render emotion than Taps. Up to the Civil War, the traditional call at day's end was a tune, borrowed from the French, called Lights Out. In July of 1862, in the aftermath of the bloody Seven Days battles, hard on the loss of 600 men and wounded himself, Union General Daniel Adams Butterfield called the brigade bugler to his tent. He thought "Lights Out" was too formal and he wished to honor his men. Oliver Wilcox Norton, the bugler, tells the story, "...showing me some notes on a staff written in pencil on the back of an envelope, (he) asked me to sound them on my bugle. I did this several times, playing the music as written. He changed it somewhat, lengthening some notes and shortening others, but retaining the melody as he first gave it to me. After getting it to his satisfaction, he directed me to sound that call for Taps thereafter in place of the regulation call. The music was beautiful on that still summer night and was heard far beyond the limits of our Brigade. The next day I was visited by several buglers from neighboring Brigades, asking for copies of the music which I gladly furnished. The call was gradually taken up through the Army of the Potomas. This more emotive and powerful Taps was soon adopted throughout the military. In 1874 it was officially recognized by the U.S. Army. It became standard at military funeral ceremonies in 1891. There is something singularly beautiful and appropriate in the music of this wonderful call. Its strains are melancholy, yet full of rest and peace. Its echoes linger in the heart long after its tones have ceased to vibrate in the air. Master Sergeant Jari A Villanueva, USAF



If you can read this, thank a teacher - and, since it's in English thank a Veteran.