West Point in Calaveras County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

HOSTAGE: A most painful experience of human suffering

444 Days - "Free at Last"

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, October 25, 2015

1. HOSTAGE: A most painful experience of human suffering Marker

Inscription. All Americans have a partnership in the "ROCK" at West Point, California.

...It's purpose is to demonstrate the solidarity of the American people in their heartfelt concern and compassion for the 53 fellow Americans taken from the U.S. Embassy and held hostage by the Government of Iran.

The "ROCK" as a tribute to the U.S. Military personnel who were wounded or gave their lives in an attempt to rescue our people held in Teheran.

...Our indignation as the people the people of the United States of America of the violation by Iran of all semblance of decency and humanity towards fellow humans.

...The "ROCK" of granite, a symbol of the strength and purpose of all Americans to the Rich and Shining Land we all love. Dated this 181st Day of captivity of the Americans held hostage in Teheran, Iran May 2, 1980.

The hostages were released after being held 444 days. The release co-incited with the ceremony installing as New U.S. President Ronald William Reagan on January 21, 1981.

Topics and series. This memorial is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #40 Ronald Reagan series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 21, 1981.

Location. 38° 24.158′ N, 120° 31.502′ W.

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Marker is in West Point, California, in Calaveras County. Memorial is on Winton Road near California Route 26, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: West Point CA 95255, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Keepers of the Land! (approx. 0.2 miles away); West Point (approx. 0.4 miles away); Sandy Gulch (approx. 1.6 miles away); Rail Road Flat (approx. 4.2 miles away); Volcano Masonic Cave (approx. 6.3 miles away); St. George Hotel (approx. 6.3 miles away); Moose Milk (approx. 6.3 miles away); General Store (approx. 6.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Point.

More about this marker. The marker and monument are on a small triangular bit in the middle of the intersection where Winton Road and Highway 26/West Point Pioneer Road meet.

Also see . . . The Iranian Hostage Crisis. The U.S. State Department's Office of the Historian's page on the Iranian Hostage Crisis: "...In the wake of a successful revolution by Islamic fundamentalists against the pro-American Shah of Iran, the United States became an object of virulent criticism and the U.S. Embassy in Tehran was a visible target. On November 4, 1979, Iranian students seized the embassy and detained more than 50 Americans, ranging from the Chargé
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, October 25, 2015

2. HOSTAGE Marker and the "ROCK" - wide view
d’Affaires to the most junior members of the staff, as hostages. The Iranians held the American diplomats hostage for 444 days. While the courage of the American hostages in Tehran and of their families at home reflected the best tradition of the Department of State, the Iran hostage crisis undermined Carter’s conduct of foreign policy. The crisis dominated the headlines and news broadcasts and made the Administration look weak and ineffectual. Although patient diplomacy conducted by Deputy Secretary Warren Christopher eventually resolved the crisis, Carter’s foreign policy team often seemed weak and vacillating. (Submitted on December 20, 2015.)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 19, 2015, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 1,241 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 20, 2015, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.