Image by: Kati Garner

A flowered wreath is placed next to a bronze replica of a US soldier that fought in Vietnam.

Image by: Kati Garner "48 years ago the American people were told that North Vietnamese patrol boats had attacked the USS Destroyer Maddox," SSG Paul M. Frazee tells a small crowd.He explains the political side of what happened.

"But." he said, "We are not here today to talk about the politics of the war. Instead we are here to honor 5,575 soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines and Coast Guardsmen whose names are etched here."

Frazee said it is possible that some of you may have known one of the four young men who died from Rio Linda or the five servicemen who paid the supreme sacrifice from Rancho Cordova or the seven men who died from Citrus Heights or the eight young men who called Roseville their home. Or the nine young men who knew North Highlands as their home. Or the 11 young men from Carmichael. Or the 14 men from Sacramento.

Image by: Kati Garner "We know the names etched in granite cannot erase the names of the loved ones etched in our hearts", Frazee chokingly said.

Image by: Kati Garner TAPS is played (Image by: Kati Garner) Bugler Eric Seiler, Sgt. from 59th US Army Band, California National Guard plays taps at end of the ceremony. (Image by: Kati Garner) Image by: Kati Garner Image by: Kati Garner Image by: Kati Garner Image by: Kati Garner Copper map on pavement showing Vietnam. (Image by: Kati Garner) The Gulf of Tonkin can be read about HERE>>>