The enhancements include upgraded flag poles displaying the flags representing each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and prisoners of war. Photo courtesy of Placer County

AUBURN, CA (MPG) - Placer County, in partnership with the Granite Bay Rotary Club, unveiled enhancements to the Walk of Honor Memorial in Granite Bay with a flag-raising ceremony.

The enhancements include upgraded flag poles displaying the flags representing each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and prisoners of war.

The ceremony brought together Gold Star mothers, veterans, veteran family members, members of the community and Placer County Sheriff’s Office deputies to witness the raising of the flags by the Placer County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard and members of the Granite Bay Rotary Club.

The Walk of Honor memorial was originally designed and funded by the Granite Bay Rotary Club in close coordination with the Placer County planning and parks divisions. Photo courtesy of Placer County

"The Walk of Honor stands as a powerful testament to the sacrifices made by our brave service members and their families," said Placer County District 4 Supervisor Jones. "These new flag poles, flying the symbols of each branch of service and our POWs, further amplify the respect and honor this sacred space embodies. We are immensely grateful to the Granite Bay Rotary Club for their vision and dedication in creating and maintaining this vital memorial."

The Placer County Parks Division crew recently replaced seven 20-foot flag poles with 35-foot poles, flanking a 50-foot pole flying the American flag.

The ceremony brought together Gold Star mothers, veterans, veteran family members, members of the community and Placer County Sheriff’s Office deputies. Photo courtesy of Placer County

The Walk of Honor memorial was originally designed and funded by the Granite Bay Rotary Club in close coordination with the Placer County planning and parks divisions.

"The Granite Bay Rotary Club is honored to have conceived, funded and built the Walk of Honor Memorial in partnership with Placer County," said Granite Bay Rotary Club Treasurer Mike Calvert. “Seeing these new flags raised is a proud moment for our club and a meaningful way to ensure that the service and sacrifice of our military personnel are never forgotten. This memorial serves as a constant reminder of their courage and dedication."

The ceremony also included remarks from Granite Bay resident and Gold Star mother Patty Schumacher, whose son, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Victor Dew, was killed in action in Afghanistan.

The ceremony also included remarks from Granite Bay residents. Photo courtesy of Placer County

"Standing here, surrounded by these symbols of our nation's strength and the love of this community, is incredibly moving," shared Schumacher. "This memorial, and these memorial upgrades, ensure that Victor and all those who have paid the ultimate price are remembered. It offers a place of solace and reflection for families like mine, and we are deeply thankful for the continued support."

Placer County Parks Administrator Erika Seward also addressed the attendees, highlighting the collaborative effort in maintaining the memorial as a place of honor and remembrance for the community.