The words that were on our school sign the day after the accident and for weeks to come back in 1976.
“It’s like a miracle. Thirty-five years ago, we were encouraged to put it behind us; but for so many people it never went away. It helps to have a place to go, to remember, that has their names up. When people have a place to come and focus their feelings, they can let go a little at a time. And that’s how grieving is supposed to be.” – Tom Randolph, at the groundbreaking for this monument, March 26, 2011
Tom Randolph preparing to speak to the crowd 1976(Tom lost his twin brother in the accident May 21, 1976 and sadly, Tom lost his battle with pancreatic cancer a week before our dedication ceremony, but we are all happy knowing that he knew it would be a reality. Tom also got up and spoke at our town Memorial Service at Honker Stadium back in 1976. A 17 year old who had sustained injuries from the accident, lost his brother and all his friends. He was poised and poignant and we will never forget his courage. It was reported that there were more people at Honker Stadium that day than the population of our entire town.)
Today was our dedication, thirty-five years in the making. Because I left after graduation for the east, I never knew that grieving was encouraged to be shoved under the rug. That families and their siblings were told to move on. I am blessed that my family is one that feels differently. When I lost my Dad, my grandparents hugged me and loved me and encouraged me to share and talk about their son. We healed, daily, for years, without much thought. I didn’t know that my friends and ‘family’ back in Yuba City were discouraged from doing this after the bus tragedy. I learned of it 15 years ago at our 20 year reunion. Efforts were made from time to time, and a small vocal group did a good job of suggesting it need not occur.
Martinez Firefighters chatting with families
Today, Larry Stapley said it best. He was 11 years old when the accident happened carrying his older sister. He said, “We were the transitional generation.” We came after the WWII generation where you sucked it up and toughed it out. He was told by many, to move on, put it behind him, live his life. He joked, “How’s that working for everybody?” We all laughed. It wasn’t working, for anyone. I was moved and dismayed, but incredibly proud of what was happening now, today, a beautiful California Day. Roughly 400+ citizens showed up and firefighters from Martinez came, including the officer first on the scene all those years ago. I never realized how much this tragedy impacted the Martinez community. They too, were expected to move on.
Members of the community and in particular siblings of those lost that day, spoke about how proud they were of what was being done here today. They talked about how hard it has been for them to move on, no one to talk to, no one to share in their sorrow. Today, they learned that we had not forgotten them. We never stopped thinking about them and all that they lost.
The HS orchestra played beautiful music and was comprised of current students and musicians from our class mingled in. It was a bit like a movie where the extras are the “real characters” depicted in the movie. It was moving and touching.
The current HS choir came and sang “This Day”. A survivor of the crash sang “Amazing Grace”.
Families were reunited with their children’s childhood friends after so many years. There were tears, hugs, joy and laughter.
Balloons were released along with doves, while the names of all those in the accident were read.
A reception was held and stories were told and shared. Undelivered communication finally expressed.
The news media was there, photographers abound. People mingling and sharing a connection. It was awesome. For many, stuck in time, on that day, forward movement will begin. For those moving forward slowly, acceleration occurred. You could see it in their faces, you could feel it in the air. Healing for many, much needed, was occurring.
Memorial Plaque
“The best way out is always the way through.” – Robert Frost
Today, Yuba City did itself proud and my Honker Alumni deserves a pat on the back. While many felt it was long overdue, and it is, it was perfect. We’re all grown up now and we didn’t want to forget and move on! We want to remember and move through, sharing our memories with others of those we spent our days with since grade school. We miss them, still.
YCHS Choir Memorial Monument FaceBook Page (we’re not done yet)
“Their sweet harmony passed to quickly, like a white gull against the shocking blue. But here, the memory of those who fashioned our brightest joy and deepest love persevere.” – Dean Esterbrook, Choir Director (who lost his newlywed wife)
Hi Jim, I did see those surfing around, but wasn’t sure who put them there. Thank you for sharing the links. And I hope there is a remembrance book developed that we can all get a copy of. I’ve offered to work on such a project and as we all come up for air after this dedication, I’m sure it will move forward to a reality.
Hi Lori,
In case you haven’t seen these, Karen posted two beautiful books to raise funds:
http://www.mixbook.com/photo-books/stories/1976-ychs-choir-those-we-lost-5315428
and
http://www.mixbook.com/photo-books/stories/1976-ychs-choir-bus-crash-survivors-5239096
You can view all of the pages for each book. Perhaps there will soon be a third book capturing the beauty and emotion from the dedication.
Peace, – Jim
For those classmates not on FB who would like to donate toward the memorial’s future longevity.
Please send a tax deductible check to:
YCHS Choir Memorial Monument
C/O Yuba City School, District750
Palora Ave
Yuba City, CA 95991
Hi Jim,
I’m so glad you found my postings. The pain I felt upon learning of the lack of support for everyone in a meaningful way, has been profound for me. As a young person with her own, very personal grief, with the loss of my father, I had such a different experience that I just couldn’t fathom these compounded difficulties to such an already horrific event. But, I am immensely proud of everyone’s efforts – all those who gave, those who couldn’t attend but wanted to, and those who aren’t ready yet, to make it right. This event will reverberate in a positive way for years to come. There is no time in a loss such as this.
I spoke to my sister afterwards, back east, and she said she had been looking in the attic of our grandparent’s old house for all the newspaper clippings she sent them all those years ago. I told her that the hope is a remembrance book will be published to help further fundraise for the future maintenance of the memorial. I hope to offer my help on that and will make sure she gets a copy.
We can all move toward healing, acknowledging our pain and sharing in our memories of our classmates with each other and their families. I’m extremely proud of the fact that this was done by ‘US’, the classmates of those who perished and survived. And while it was a long time coming, it couldn’t have been more perfect!
You are not alone anymore, and now, finally, we all know we are not.
Hugs to you Jim.
Fellow Honker!
Hi Lori,
Thank you for your excellent account of Saturday’s dedication. It’s the best I’ve seen and will help us all remember just a little bit more. I’m forwarding this page’s link to my loved ones so they have a better understanding of what unfolded on this memorable day. I no longer feel isolated and alone grappling with the lifelong submerged emotions that began on that day in May of 1976. The knots of pain and frustration buried deep within are beginning to loosen and unravel, and I feel blessed for this unexpected gift. I am truly grateful that I am not alone in this ongoing healing we all share.
In peace, ~ Jim Levins, Class of ’76