The grave of Ralph Sanders in California City Cemetery was selected to represent those honored for the 2015 Memorial Day Service. In addition to family members, participants included members of the California Veterans of Foreign War Post 4345, California Masonic Lodge 183, VFW Auxiliary 4345 and Prince of Peace Commandry 29 of Knights Templar, Jefferson City. The American Legion and VFW Post 1003, Jefferson City, were also represented.
Sanders, who was born March 16, 1931, and died at age 84 on March 19, 2015. A 1949 Clarksburg High School graduate, Sanders served in the United States Army in the Korean Conflict. With a rank of Private First Class, Sanders, served as a U.S. Army infantryman with the 7th Division, 17th Infantry, from 1950-53. He was a squad leader who carried a BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle). His medals include the Bronze Star with "V" device (reported to be the fourth highest military decoration given for valor), and two Purple Heart medals. The second Purple Heart medal was the result of injuries from an exploding mortar round which sent shrapnel into his chest, damaging one lung. A part of that lung had to be removed as a result of that injury. He was a member of the VFW and NRA. He also was a founding member of the California Shooters Club and served as a California City Councilman. Sanders was presented with a Quilt of Honor in September of 2014 and was privileged to go on the 31st Central Missouri Honor Flight in November of 2014.
Sanders' son and daughter, Kevin and Sandra, were present for the event.
Members of VFW Post 4345 and the Ladies Auxiliary placed wreaths and other decorations on Sanders' grave, which represented the resting place of many other veterans, then saluted with the playing of "Taps."
Stephanie Birkmann, Jamestown, read her VFW Scholarship winning essay, about the Korean Conflict. She spoke of the original conflict between North and South Korea, which escalated bringing in the United Nations, and the landing of United States troops in July 1950. The disagreement in war policy between Gen. Douglas McArthur and President Harry Truman resulted in the firing of McArthur and his replacement with Gen. Matthew Ridgeway. Eventually, an uneasy peace was arrived at with the forming of a demilitarized zone, 250 kilometers long, four kilometers wide, at the 38th parallel. Birkmann said it is hard to imagine what the world would be like if the actions had escalated to the level of a nuclear war, World War III, between the United States and China.
The history of Memorial Day goes back nearly to the Civil War. Originally known as Decoration Day when it began in 1866, it served as a day to honor America's fallen, Union and Confederate.
The name has been changed and it has become just another of the national holidays and three-day weekends. Although the meaning has been lost for many, it really is to honor the dead in American wars, recalling the valor and sacrifices of those who gave their lives so that others might live.