Help turn this park into a National Cemetery!

Private James Sumner:

Help turn this park into a National Cemetery!

James Sumner was born in London, England in 1840. He immigrated to the United States and settled in Chicago. He joined the US Cavalry after the Civil War and was attached to Company G, 1st US Cavalry in the Arizona Territory.

The President of the United States, in name of Congress, presented the Medal of Honor to Private Sumner, for gallantry in action October 20, 1869, while serving with Company G, 1st US Calvary.

After his enlistment in the Army was over, Private Sumner resettled in Ventura, California and died on July 5, 1917. He was buried in the St. Mary's Cemetery 1347 E. Main Street, Ventura, CA 93001, without any fanfare or military honors.

The cemetery fell into disrepair and was converted to Ventura City Cemetery Memorial Park in the 1960's. All grave markers were removed and dv r 3000 bodies were never relocated. Seventy-nine of them are US Military Veterans. A permanent marker at the grave site reads "James Sumner... Medal of Honor... Indian Wars 1840: 1917" with the Medal of Honor emblem on the top of the marker.

Citizens have attempted to have Private Sumner's remains exhumed and reburied at the National Cemetery in Bakersfield, however local lawmakers have resisted these attempts and the matter remains unresolved. The site is now used for citizens to freely walk their dogs.

May the name arid memory of Private Sumner remain eternal! If you are interested in being a part of turning this park into a National Cemetery for the 79 Veterans buried there, please contact Bob Martinez.

MARINE

BONALD CORPS

EWFER FORLS

Bob Martinez

President Ronald Reagan Marine Corps League Detachment #597 805-368-7001 [email protected]

On Sat Feb 29 at 10:00 am The President Ronald Reagan Marine Corps League Detachment #597 is planning on visiting St. Mary's Cemetery to give full military honors to all 79 Americans buried there. St. Mary's address 1347 E. Main Street Ventura CA 93001.

Please come help support our efforts to turn this cemetery into a National Cemetery for past and future American Veterans.

Bob Martinez (The Bugler)

Email [email protected] cell# 805 368-7001