News
Oakland Monument to Soldiers Killed in Vietnam
A monument listing the names of the 100 Oakland members of the armed forces who were killed in the Vietnam War was dedicated at the Oakland Veterans Memorial Building Lake Merritt.
The unveiling ceremony took place during Memorial Day weekend.
Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 400, donated the memorial in commemoration of those whose sacrifice gives us the privilege and duty to continue their legacy of freedom and liberty.
Memorial honoring 100 Oakland Vietnam Veterans
Arnold Dos Santos, a U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran, was master of ceremonies. In his opening remarks, he lamented that the absence of the Oakland and Alameda County elected officials was distressing.
Only Joshua Quigley, representing Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Oakland City Councilmember Abel Guillén and Alameda Mayor Trish Herrera Spencer were in attendance.
Dos Santos asked the families and friends of those brave men to stand.
Fernando Valenzuela honored his brother, Army Pfc. Oscar Valenzela Jr., who was killed in Vietnam at age 19.
Retired U.S. Air Force colonel and Vietnam war veteran Conway Jones Jr. delivered the welcome address for the dedication.
Jones reflected that war exacted a huge human cost in terms of fatalities – between 1 – 3 million Vietnamese soldiers and civilians killed, between 240,000–300,000 Cambodians killed, and between 20,000–62,000 Laotians killed , as well as 58,148 U.S. service members who died in the conflict and 1,626 remain missing in action.
Jones quoted from President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, saying “that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion – that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain.”
Names of the 100 servicemen were read by Raymond Will, VVA Chapter 400,and Marinda Santos, daughter of a Vietnam veteran.
The ceremony concluded with the placing of a wreath at the monument and the playing of “Amazing Grace “and “Taps” by bagpiper Sgt. Jim Marsh.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of October 28 – November 3, 2026
Oakland Post: Week of October 28 – November 3, 2026
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Community
Mayor Barbara Lee Holds Special State of the City Address in Deep East Oakland
In partnership with Rise East and the 40×40 Council, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee held a special 2026 State of the City East Oakland community conversation on Oct. 14. The purpose of bringing a State of the City address directly to the community was to celebrate East Oakland, highli
In partnership with Rise East and the 40×40 Council, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee held a special 2026 State of the City East Oakland community conversation on Oct. 14.
The purpose of bringing a State of the City address directly to the community was to celebrate East Oakland, highlight the work underway, and look ahead to what neighbors, local businesses, youth, funders, community organizations, and partners can accomplish together.
Held at the Roots Community Health/Parker Elementary School Campus at 7929 Ney Ave., the event was emceed by special guest Mark Curry, Oakland native, comedian, and actor.
Lee shared how Rise East and the 40×40 Council have brought together the knowledge, relationships, and resources of people and organizations committed to East Oakland.
Residents bring lived experience, community organizations bring trusted relationships and philanthropy, and businesses bring resources and opportunity, she said, then turned to the government’s role: public investment, services and policy.
But, Lee intoned, City Hall has a responsibility to help connect those efforts.
“I am committed to listening to residents, working across departments and sectors, and helping open doors to opportunity. We must connect neighborhood priorities to the decisions we make about housing, economic development, safety, health and our young people.
City Hall “must be accountable for the results,” Lee said. “The measure of success is what families experience: greater stability, more opportunity and a stronger sense that they belong and have a future here.
“Tonight is an opportunity to listen to the leaders doing this work, learn what is making a difference and identify where we can do more together,” the mayor said.
Lee went on to moderate a ‘fireside chat’ on the theme: Building Oakland’s Future Together — From Neighborhood Investment to Community Empowerment with:
- Selena Wilson, CEO, East Oakland Youth Development Center
- Greg Hodge, CEO, Brotherhood of Elders
- Carolyn “CJ” Johnson, CEO, Black Cultural Zone
- Dr. Noha Aboelata, CEO, Roots Health Center
Mayor Barbara Lee’s media relations department provided this report.
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