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At the dedication Erma recalled Mark Fontana's remarks on his company's involvement with the monument,
"Mark said, 'It was the most significant job in the 80-year history of our company,'" Erma said.
For decades, veterans and their family members have lain wreaths at the World War I and Korean/Vietnam War Memorials at the site. The names of the 156 servicemen from Marin killed in World War II were engraved on two brass plaques that had hung on the World War I monument. After a number of years Erma Parsons asked the veterans and former classmates a simple question.
"When are you guys going to get a monument of your own?"
Whether it was Erma's pointed question, or a burning desire within themselves, or simply the realization of so many years passing so quickly, the Marin veterans were spurred to action. They formed a World War II Memorial committee a little more than two years ago and began their quest.
Overcoming hurdles along the way, they managed to see the project through to completion. They received donations from individuals and organizations within and outside Marin County. Many included letters and mentions of loved ones in whose name the donation was being sent.
Many stated their hopes for the memorial:
Dear Sir,
Please accept my check for $300 toward the World War II Memorial.
I was drafted out of San Rafael High School in 1943. I served in Europe with the 1st and 7th Armies and was involved in four major battles. My outfit, the 105 Evacuation Hospital, took care of many patients during the Battle of the Bulge.
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