Kernville in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
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 he’s 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 I’ve endured the endless days
that dragged on into years.
I’ve battled with all my very being
To hold back bitter tears.
My children
by now they’re nearly grown.
my poor wife – she’s had that too;
she’s raised them all alone.
I’ve 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° 43.177′ N, 118° 26.271′ W. Marker is in Kernville, California, in Kern County. Memorial is on Wofford Heights Boulevard, on the left when traveling east. Marker is located at the entrance to the New Kernville Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Kernville CA 93238, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Kernville (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bob Powers (approx. 2˝ miles away); Campsite of Edward Kern (approx. 5 miles away); Old Isabella (approx. 5 miles away); Keyesville (approx. 7.6 miles away); USS Arizona (approx. 8.1 miles away); Silver City Ghost Town (approx. 9 miles away); Onyx Store - 1880 (approx. 11˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kernville.
Additional keywords. Veterans Memorials - All Wars

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
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
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 898 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on February 11, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.