Two dozen military street banners, 72-inches long honoring those who served in past conflicts, will be going up on light poles along a mile and a half stretch of Fulton Avenue and remain there until the 2019 Almond Blossom Festival in late February.
The first banner in the Military Street Banner Program is scheduled to be erected honoring the late Eldon “Red” Nutt who served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict. The program is under the direction of the Ripon American Legion Clinton McCausland Post 190 and the City of Ripon. Nutt was a long-time police chief in Ripon and also served as its mayor.
The Fulton Avenue location was chosen in respect for a fallen Naval officer in World War II, Lyman Fulton, husband of the former Ripon librarian when the library was located in what is now the Ripon Historical Society’s museum on West Main Street at Acacia Avenue. Fulton was a Lt. Commander and Corsair fighter aviator who flew off an aircraft carrier and was killed in combat off the Mariana Islands.
The banners will display the pictures of Ripon veterans, active military members and those killed in action and will be attached to 24 city street light poles.
American Legion First Vice Commander Ed Ormonde said the Post is very honored and proud to be able to recognize the community’s military members as it has over the years through the veterans’ wall and the memorial building that has extensive military history on its walls and showcases of the men and women who have been part of the country’s military services. It is where they have also located a Howitzer cannon outside the building. A police memorial is also located nearby.
The 75-foot reflective wall – located on the corner of First and Locust streets – lists all who have served their country and gold stars mark the names of those who were killed in action.
The American Legion is seeking donations of $250 to support the cost of each banner planned on the poles. Applications to be included in the banner project are available at the Legion Post or from Post Commander Manuel Lopez at 209-670-6384.
To contact Glenn Kahl, email gkahl@mantecabulletin.com.
