By Steve Thompson
In 2003 Chico lost one of their own soldiers, Specialist Aaron Clark, to the war in Iraq. On December 5th 2003 Arron was killed when a radio controlled bomb was detonated near his convoy while they were driving in Baghdad. Arron was a member of the U.S. Army assigned to the 440th Signal Battalion, 22nd Signal Brigade, V Corps based in Darmstadt, Germany.
I won’t use this space to debate the merits of the Iraq War. Whether you supported the war or not, I think most of us agree we should support the troops who fight our wars for us. They deserve at least that much.
I’m not aware of that many young men from our area who were killed in the recent war. Aside from Specialist Clark I know of a young soldier from Paradise, PFC Steven Walberg-Riotto who lost his life in 2007. There was also SSG Russell Proctor from Oroville who died in June of this year. They died fighting for our country, for our ideals of freedom and democracy, against murderous scum who would enslave their own people. They were heroes all of them, and deserving of the honors their communities have given them.
Friends and family of SPC Clark now want to build a monument in his name. They have raised over $15,000, about half of what they need, and have identified a location they would like to have a statue erected. Aaron Clark was a Chico boy who grew up in the area of Chapmantown, and as such they would like to have the monument at the 20th Street Park in Chico. That seems to make sense and I’m sure the park has plenty of room to honor a fallen soldier.
This is the sad part of the story where I have to tell you that government has stepped in and put up some obstacles. Apparently the decision on whether a monument can be built at the park is up to the Chico Area Recreation District (CARD) Board. I have been told that they assigned an ad hoc committee to review the proposal and that it was denied. However with most boards this kind of a decision can be overturned.
The CARD board meets again on the 17th at 7pm, in the CARD center at 545 Vallombrosa Avenue. Supporters of a memorial for SPC Clark, Chico’s only soldier to die in the Iraq War, will be there to urge the board to overturn their first decision and allow for the monument. One of them will be Aaron’s mother, Lynne. If you believe in showing support to our troops, this is a good opportunity for you to show up and make your voice heard. I would advise that you be professional, polite, and ready to follow the rules of the public meeting. Let them know that you support a local board that gives our troops the public support they deserve.
You can read about Aaron at this site.
Hi Steve, This is shameful. During my last forty day travel across America to the east coast I saw veteran and war memorials in several cities. For Chico to not honor one of its own home-town men who gave his life so they could deny him being remembered says its time to replace those individuals.
While I dont remember all of the town names that had memorials, I did find this website describing a really nice memorial located in a park. Hope it helps.
http://www.bing.com/attractions/search?q=Veterans+Memorial%2c+Lubbock&qzattrid=w378943&qpvt=veteran%27s+memorial&FORM=DTPATA
Life in America may have been radically different if all the soldiers had not fought for the rights of citizens. Lubbock has honored these people by creating the Lubbock Area Veterans Memorial. Three different sections of the memorial honor those have been killed in the wars since World War I, another is for those who served in the Armed Forces, and the final section is for members of the community to show support. The rounded structure features bricks, flags, and greenery. A touching tribute to those who have sacrificed so much, the Memorial is located inside Huneke Park.
Steve you are absolutely right, our service men and women, and their families, deserve our support and our undying gratitude.
If the City of Chico allows this memorial it would be great to post an adress where donations can be made to raise the rest of the money.
If not perhaps a private organization with land would care to step forward? Just a thought.
At next week’s (Tuesday night) city council meeting they will discuss where they will place a statue of “Hmong Leader” General Vang Pao. The “Hmong Community” has gifted the statue to the city of Chico, and asked that it be placed right next to City Hall.
It’s Item 4.1 on the agenda:
“CONSIDERATION OF RECOMMENDATION FROM ARTS COMMISSION TO ACCEPT THE DONATION OF A SCULPTURE IN MEMORY OF GENERAL VANG PAO AND SELECTION OF LOCATION
At its October 12, 2011 meeting, the Arts Commission recommended (7-0) acceptance of the donation
of a sculpture in memory of Hmong Leader General Vang Pao and recommended, in order of
preference, three locations adjacent to the Council Chamber Building. Because the value of the
donation is greater than $20,000, the City Manager is required to obtain Council approval prior to
acceptance. Direction is also being requested regarding the location of the artwork. (Report – John
Rucker, Assistant City Manager)
Recommendation: The Assistant City Manager recommends that Council: (1) accept the donation of
artwork; and (2) determine final location.
I don’t have anything against the Hmong, but this seems kind of outrageous by comparison.
I heard a short blurb on the news that the statue will be placed at Community Park after all. What made CARD change their mind? I’m not that familiar with CARD operations, but I know they have a board and a regular process for these things. But, they don’t provide minutes of their meetings, so I’m wondering.