For Memorial Day, Walnut Creek Will Give Special Recognition to Korean War Veterans

Sixty years ago in June, the Cold War got very hot when the army of communist North Korea crossed the 38th parallel, and the United States stepped in to fight for the South. The full-scale military conflict would last three years. 

In the American consciousness, the Korean conflict tends to receive much less attention than the two wars that bookend it: World War II and the Vietnam War. With the 60th anniversary of the start of the Korean War coming up next month, the city of Walnut Creek will include a special tribute to those who died in that conflict as it honors the memory of all fallen soldiers.  

The Memorial Day ceremony will take place 10 a.m. Monday, May 31 at the gazebo in Civic Park.  Three local Korean War veterans will collaboratively give the keynote address: Steven Williams, US Army, 21st division; Alan Kite, US Navy Tactical Air Control, Squadron 3; and Sgt. Bill Harbin USMC 12th division of the 7th Marines.

The Walnut Creek Concert Band, under the direction of Harvey Benstein, will perform. Chaplain Dwane Michael of John Muir/Mt. Diablo Health System will give the invocation and blessing, and the Marine Corps Recruiting Station of Contra Costa County will present the colors and close the ceremony with the traditional laying of the wreaths at the Veterans Memorial Plaza across the street from Civic Park.

North Broadway will be closed to traffic between Civic Drive and Lincoln Avenue during the ceremony.

If you are a Korean War veteran, the city would love to recognize you at the ceremony and thank you for your service. Please contact City Clerk Patrice Olds at (925) 943-5818 or olds@walnut-creek.org.