Robin and Linda Maxam, Receive Flag Honoring their Brother, MOH Receipient. Photo by John Boylan (more pics)
Wes Clark also has a wonderful presentation of the day's events. CLICK HERE to see.
Just received this email and photos from Cathy Nicholls Coyle ('67) - thanks Cathy!
Last Saturday, John & I attended the wonderful heartfelt Ceremony the City put on for the Dedication of the new Larry L. Maxam Park (formerly Pacific Park.)
When we first approached the tent area we were given Dedication Programs and commemorative coins:
There were many dignitaries there to recognize Larry's valor and sacrifice for his country including: R. Lee Ermey; Calif State Senator Carol Liu; Congressman Adam Schiff; the Burbank Councilmembers and some top ranking officials from the United States Marine Corps.
Samatha Morales, from John Muir Middle School, read her winning essay on "What the Medal of Honor means" and the First Battalian, Division 4 presented their "Battalion Motivation Logo" with Larry Maxam's profile:
Larry's Marine Photo and Citation were presented:
There was a stirring military 21 gun salute:
Two flags were folded in a time honored military tradition to be handed out to Larry's brother, Robin, and sister, Linda:
Larry's Viet Nam Marine Corps Company & Mickey DePalo, MC, posed behind the Memorial for photos:
Other attendees were:
Mike McDaniel ('74); & Dona Foy Bruckner talking to Linda Maxam ('68):
Linda Mustion ('67), signing the Guest Book:
Don Baldesaroni ('67) and his wife, Sue:
Mike Ranshaw ('66) also signing the guest book:
Scott Bruckner; Greg Alaimo & Bruce Keswick (all '66):
Joan ('67) & Freddy Ortega ('65) & their son, Michael:
John ('65) & I and Pam & Jon Kirkwood (both '64):
and George Colvin ('65), who wanted his photo taken with R. Lee Ermey:
I also saw Al Thouette at the Dedication. He told me that he and Gil Uribe ('66) were there the day Larry Maxam said that he was leaving school and joining the Marines. Here's a photo from the 2008 JBHS/BHS Alumni Picnic: Al Thouette '67, Jim Knight '66 and Gil Uribe '66.
As we were leaving John was given a special treat from Patricia Walmisley, Burbank Veterans Commemorative Committee, who shook his hand and thanked him for his service to his country.
All in all, it was a beautiful ceremony and a great tribute to Larry's bravery and sacrifice to his country.
I knew Larry Maxam when we both attended John Muir Jr. High. It was 1963 and I was in 8th grade and he was in 9th. He would often walk me and my sister home from school. We attended the local dances and I would often dance with him. We weren't boyfrend and girlfriend; after all, I was only 13. But I remember that he had a great sense of humor, that he was very handsome, and always a gentleman . Since he enlisted into the Marines when he was in the 11th grade, I didn't see much of him. But I do remember seeing him in the hallways and saying "Hi." I know there are very many of his classmates and alumni from Burbank High School that have stories to tell about what kind of friend and person he was. Some of those friends were at the Dedication. I feel blessed that I was able to spend a brief time in my life with such a valiant and brave soul. Rest in Peace Larry. You truly deserve a special place in our City and in our hearts.
Cathy Nicholls Coyle
4/20/10 UPDATE:
CLICK HERE to see Linda Mustion's post which has more great photos!
5/18/10 UPDATE:
Thanks to Wes Clark & Mike McDaniel, HERE IS THE TRANSCRIPT of Lt. Col. John B. Lang's Remarks for the Maxam Park Dedication, 17 April 2010.
And HERE are Mike McDaniel's photos of the day's events - thanks Mike!
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