Kernville in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Kernville Veterans Memorial
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 28, 2009
1. Kernville Veterans Memorial
American Prisoners of War and Missing in Action
The Loneliest Prayer
As I squat here in this lonely place
A man maybe even you forgot,
I wonder
Am I in living hell?
Am I alive or not?
I think its more than ten years now
since my last friend left this place.
I guess hes back home -
whatever that is -
among the human race.
Forgive me, Lord,
if I seem untrue
to the values of my parents taught,
to my thoughts of you,
of family and country -
those things I fought.
But, as Ive endured the endless days
that dragged on into years.
Ive battled with all my very being
To hold back bitter tears.
My children
by now theyre nearly grown.
my poor wife – shes had that too;
shes raised them all alone.
Ive wept to hold my darlings,
To watch my children grow,
to feel your presence, Lord,
my faith in you too show.
Bless me Father, and take this life,
please let it end today.
I wonder how they listed me -
P O W or M I A
By Hardy Abbott
Official Poem of the National Forget-Me-Not Association
Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: Military.
Location. 35°
this page online
Regionally, this memorial is in California’s San Joaquin Valley, specifically in the Central Valley, and in the Sierra Nevada. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Kernville (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old Kernville (approx. 0.2 miles away); Bob Powers (approx. 2½ miles away); The Harley Mine (approx. 2½ miles away); Kern River Valley History (approx. 2½ miles away); Campsite of Edward Kern (approx. 5 miles away); Old Isabella (approx. 5 miles away); Keyesville (approx. 7.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kernville.
Additional keywords. Veterans Memorials - All Wars
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 27, 2009
2. The Loneliest Prayer Plaque
This plaque is located on the far left of the Monument.
[Small Plaque:]
Donated in Loving
Memory of
Betty L. Yoho
[Small Plaque:]
Memory of
Betty L. Yoho
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 28, 2009
3. Duty * Honor * Country
This plaque is located on the far right.
”The willingness to sacrifice is the prelude to freedom.”
This memorial is dedicated with appreciation to the men and women whose loyalty and service during times of war and peace define the character of this great Nation.
Remembering Their Sacrifices
[Small plaque:]
In Memory of
Ronald Zimmerman
World War II
Anti-Air Craft Veteran
This memorial is dedicated with appreciation to the men and women whose loyalty and service during times of war and peace define the character of this great Nation.
Remembering Their Sacrifices
[Small plaque:]
Ronald Zimmerman
World War II
Anti-Air Craft Veteran
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 28, 2009
4. Left Center Plaques
Department of the Navy Emblem
United States Coast Guard Emblem Smaller Plaques:
In memory of Sammy J. Phelam, Navy WWII
In memory of Wm."Sarge" Inskeep
United States Coast Guard Emblem Smaller Plaques:
In memory of Sammy J. Phelam, Navy WWII
In memory of Wm."Sarge" Inskeep
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 28, 2009
5. Center Plaques
U.S. Army Emblem
9/11 Memorial Plaque
Smaller Plaques:
In memory of General Donald N. Moore Army WWII
In memory of Robert L. Yoho
9/11 Memorial Plaque
Smaller Plaques:
In memory of General Donald N. Moore Army WWII
In memory of Robert L. Yoho
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 28, 2009
6. Right Center Plaques
Department of the Air Force Emblem
United States Marine Corps Emblem
Smaller plaques:
Washington Monument with quote:
"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by our nation." - George Washington
Donated by Loren R. Malone
In memory of Louis J. Kriebs, Marine WWII
In memory of Thomas J. Flynn
United States Marine Corps Emblem
Smaller plaques:
Washington Monument with quote:
"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by our nation." - George Washington
Donated by Loren R. Malone
In memory of Louis J. Kriebs, Marine WWII
In memory of Thomas J. Flynn
Photographed by Syd Whittle, November 28, 2009
7. Kernville Veterans Memorial
Credits. This page was last revised on January 5, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 11, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,078 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on February 11, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.
