Memorial Wall opens in Santa Rosa

Opening ceremonies marking the start of a four-day visit of the Traveling Vietnam Memorial brought an unexpected reunion for two former soldiers.

The wall, available for viewing at Santa Rosa’s Memorial Park from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Sunday, bears the names of the 58,000 people who died in the Vietnam War and is set at Santa Rosa’s Memorial Park this week.

Among the fallen is Alvester Hill, who died in 1967 when his tank was blown up in Binh Duong.

Shortly after opening ceremonies this morning, following the presentation of colors and the laying of a wreath at the foot of the wall, Matt Kamanu of Santa Rosa went in search of Hill’s name. Both were part of the 2nd Battalion, 34th Armored Division.

Also at Memorial Park Thursday was former Sgt. James Bowles of Petaluma. The two quickly discovered they were searching for the same name on the wall — Alvester Hill.

Then came the recognition.

They were both there on the same day.

They were both there in the same nearby tank, serving together.

Neither had seen each other since shortly after that attack in Binh Duong and had no idea they both lived in Sonoma County.

The Sonoma County United Veterans Council and Santa Rosa Memorial Park are sponsoring the display, which serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices so many made.

The display is free and open to all.

For more on the unexpected reunion of Bowles and Kamanu, see The Press Democrat or pressdemocrat.com on Friday.