Medal of Honor Recipients Honored at San Clemente Park

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. (NNS) -- Officials from the city of San Clemente, Calif., honored three deceased Medal of Honor recipients during a rededication ceremony Oct. 25 at Park Semper Fi Marine Monument.

The ceremony paid tribute to two Navy SEALs, Lt. Michael Murphy and Master-at-Arms 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael Monsoor, and Marine Cpl. Jason Dunham. All three were posthumously awarded the nation's highest military honor for courageous actions in combat in Iraq or Afghanistan. The ceremony marked the first time in the park's three-year history that both Sailors and Marines were honored together.

"It's so important to honor those who have received the Medal of Honor," said Wayne Eggleston, executive director of the Heritage of San Clemente Foundation and city council member. "They have really given their lives for the United States of America and our freedoms."

San Clemente is located near Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and is within an hour's drive of major Navy bases in San Diego. The city originally dedicated the park to Marines of past, present and future but honored all members of the sea services.

Navy SEALs from San Diego and Marines from Camp Pendleton joined the city in honoring their fallen comrades. Other guests included Monsoor's mother, sister and sister-in-law.

The intimate ceremony began with music from the Marine Corps Band. Friends or fellow service members remembered each recipient, describing their amazing qualities.

Sara Monsoor spoke highly of the ceremony and was proud to know that other services recognize and remember her brother.

"I think that it is wonderful that they want to add him to this park with the Marines," said Sara. "With all the different branches, it's nice to see that there is still recognition. It helps to know that people still talk and remember them."

According to Eggleston, Park Semper Fi honors veterans and active duty military members annually around Veterans Day and is visited by more than 8,000 people each year. Sara hoped that the men like her brother who sacrificed themselves for their comrades and country would influence their fellow citizens.

"My hope," said Sara "is that when people come here, these plaques inspire them to find out their stories and really inspire them to live their lives like these men did."