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San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery
Category: Landmarks & Historical Buildings [Edit]
32053 West McCabe RoadGustine, CA 95322
(209) 854-1040
3 reviews for San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery
Both my Father and Mother in laws are buried here. I had never been to the cemetery until the day of the service for my mother in law which was held on a blistering hot August day in 2001. My first reaction was that this is a hell hole not fit for honoring those who served our country and was our governments way of cutting costs by using land an hour away from the bay area. The parched ground, native grasses and occasional rattle snake seemed to be so far removed from the visions of peace, serenity and hallowed grounds of Arlington and Colma that I had a real hard time accepting the feeling of these folks being "dumped" in such a place.
As time has gone by, I have been back many, many times and although I still am not a peace with everything yet, I have experienced the Memorial day event there and was moved by the efforts of the staff and volunteers to honor those interned.
Having moved away a few years ago, I only am able to go a couple of times per year and am beginning to notice a transformation that you really only get to notice by having been away for some time.
The grounds are being planted with grass, subtle changes to the memorials and the reflecting pond (maybe it was that way all along and I just did not notice) and with my last visit a week ago I found myself actually thinking that this may just end up being a picturesque and possibly fitting final resting place.
The serenity is becoming apparent and as soon as my in laws have their area replanted, I may just come to accept this place.
It will never be an Arlington but it may be ok.
My father-in-law, Dan C. Barksdale Sr, is interned here. Dan was an Army man. He was in the calvery back when they rode horses from Monterey to Salinas. He ended his Army career serving in Korea. He rest here among the dry, steep rolling hill area of the California valley near Santa Nella. Sparse native oaks and almond orchards characterize the surrounding landscape. Native grasses grow for ground cover in the burial areas.
The California Korean War Veterans Memorial was dedicated Aug. 1, 1998. The memorial is a composition of 16 individual granite five-foot monoliths arranged to form a circle. Each monolith contains the names of 2,495 Californians who gave their life fighting in the Korean War. The memorial was sponsored by a number of veteran service organizations, individuals and corporations.
The 11th Airborne Memorial is a granite and bronze monument that was dedicated on May 11, 2002, in honor of all airborne soldiers. The sculptor was William Porteus, a member of the 511th unit.
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Dan loved California and he picked this spot for his final rest.
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I remember stopping by on my way home to Los Angeles and I was deeply moved by the vast sense of tranquility and solitude found at this intimate cemetery. If you're ever on the 5 freeway headed to or from Northern California, this is a beautiful place to reflect and remember.
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