Butte hike to honor, remember veterans

Local veterans will honor the nation's Congressional Medal of Honorees Wednesday during a day-long event with remembrances of fallen soldiers and a hike in the Sutter Buttes.

“We can show the nation some leadership in caring,” said Stephanie Ruscigno, commander of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 9 of Marysville in a press release.

Veterans and their supporters plan to gather at the Sutter County War Memorial on Butte House Road next to Yuba City City Hall at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.

The hike is for “healing and recreation for returning Iraq and Vietnam war veterans to let them enjoy nature while both generations share camaraderie,” Ruscigno said; veterans are too soon forgotten and discriminated against, especially if they are disabled.

“We cannot allow that to happen here,” said Marvin Bottom, adjutant and past commander of the Chapter 9 DAV.

Sgt. Vern Sorenson plans to tell the story of Lance Corporal Roy Wheat, a U.S. Marine who sacrificed himself in Vietnam so that others, including Sorenson, could live. Other stories of sacrifice will be told.

Later, disabled veterans and supporters will get a guided tour in the Sutter Buttes by the Middle Mountain Foundation.

Following the hike, which should take about six hours, refreshments will be available in Veterans Hall. For more information, call 315-8990.

Appeal-Democrat reporter Daniel Witter can be reached at 749-4712. You may e-mail him at dwitter@appeal-democrat.com.