Members of the Vietnam Veterans Group of San Quention
On Memorial Day, more than two dozen men serving time in San Quentin paid tribute to the fallen soldiers of America’s wars.
The men stood in military formation. Across from them, a color guard stood 100 yards away. The American and POW-MIA flags were flapping in the cool morning air.
An older veteran began reading a poem about the perils of combat.
San Quentin has 360 veterans serving time here. Thirty-one veterans attended this event. Eighteen of them had served in Vietnam.
As 13 Canada geese fluttered down on the prison’s Lower Yard to join the single goose waiting, Larry “Popeye” Fasion performed “Taps” and veterans saluted the flags.
“I think this is a very positive thing,” inmate Salvador Solorio said, while watching the tribute with his hand over his heart. “We owe a lot to our vets.”
Members of the San Quentin Color Guard were Carl Raybon, Michael Elmore, David Tarvan and Craig Johnson.
If an incarcerated veteran wants to learn more about VHV or if they or their family may qualify for additional benefits, please contact:
Mary Donovan, Executive Director of VHV
PO BOX 432
San Quentin, CA 94964
mary@veteranshealingveterans.org
The VHV website is veteranshealingveterans.org