Duty, Courage and Patriotism Line the Streets of Los Alamitos

In Los Alamitos, it’s not unusual to stop next to a loud Humvee at a red light or see an F-18 fly over your home.

And that’s just how longtime Los Alamitos resident Nancy Karmelich likes it.

“It’s an amazing sight,” she said. “When I drive down the streets of Los Alamitos and pull up next to this huge combat vehicle, boy, do I feel safe and proud at that moment.”

Karmelich said she never ceases to be inspired by the base and its troops. Her pride in the base and her community compelled her to thank the local military personnel by hanging banners from light posts throughout the city.

She called the project Banners of Honor, and on Thursday the banners were unveiled at a ceremony held on the Joint Forces Training Base. Base personnel, veterans, community organizations and families joined to celebrate the unveiling of the last of the 166 banners that will be hung up and down Katella Avenue between the 605 and Walker Street, Lexington Avenue and within the base itself.

When Karmelich approached the city of Los Alamitos about her idea, it gave her “universal support,” said Angie Avery, director of recreation and community services.            

“We helped the effort by making sure everything went smoothly,” said Avery.

The banners, which cost between $350 and $500, were available for purchase by anyone in the community. Banners could be customized according to service branch and by choosing one of 21 character words such as ‘selfless,’ ‘loyal,’ and ‘duty.’ The banners will be up for three years.

Many of the banners were sponsored by local businesses.

Bill Dolan, general manager of Ayres Hotel in Seal Beach, said he decided to purchase a banner because he believes in giving back to the community. His banner is hung on the eastbound side of Katella Avenue, and he said he chose to have the word ‘courage’ on the banner because it is what best characterizes the work of veterans.

“This is an incredible cause,” Dolan said. “I think it’s important to give back to the community, especially to the military community.”

At the unveiling ceremony, Boy Scout Troop 658 led a flag ceremony and the Pledge of Allegiance. Speaking at the event were city and base dignitaries, such as Los Alamitos Councilman Troy Edgar, who thanked Karmelich for her efforts to both honor veterans and “beautify the city.”

Brig. Gen. Keith D. Jones also thanked Karmelich and said it was an honor to be at the ceremony.

“I’m extremely proud of what you have done to recognize our service members,” Jones said to Karmelich. “It’s indicative of the spirit of this community is Los Alamitos.”             

Shortly after the speeches, students from Los Altos Brethren Elementary School sang to the crowd and passed out mini-flags to veterans.

Jackson Fortune, 13, said he was proud to participate in the ceremonies.

“I want to show that we support [the military] and want to thank them for all they’ve done,” he said.