AV street renamed for American hero

Photograph courtesy of Karl Peterson

Every once and awhile, you find yourself part of an event that transcends the normal in such a significant manner, that you know it will stay with you for many years.

That’s just what happened Nov. 10, not only to me, but to close to a thousand people who stood at an Antelope Valley street corner on a beautiful morning, to usher in some pretty cool history!

This past summer, AV resident and business owner, Bart Avery said goodbye to long-time friend R. Lee Ermey, a friend very near and dear to his heart. Bart would rise early in the mornings and take to the streets on behalf of S.A.V.E.S., a local charity he supports. During his walks last summer, he looked up at a street sign and thought of his friend — and so started his quest to have a street named after the Gunny. Bart started the process, reaching out to many across the Antelope Valley. Before long his passion turned into support from the many public entities that would be required to make his dream for his friend and his family happen.

The morning of Nov. 10, that dream came true after much campaigning and marshalling support from local governments and the community.

Courtesy photograph

R. Lee. Ermey sure touched many lives and by the cross section of citizens who showed up at the day’s dedication, you just know that the Gunny had a special ability to inspire folks from the very young to the very old and everybody in between. Walking among the crowd, I asked the question: “What did the Gunny mean to you, and what do you think of the renaming of Avenue N to R. Lee Ermey Avenue?”

When I talked to the parents of a young Marine who had traveled up from Norwalk, they spoke of the Gunny and his commitment to the young people of America, especially the Young Marine program. At nine years old, their Young Marine carried the swagger of a Marine that the Gunny embodied. Following in the footsteps of his Dad, who had served as a Marine from 1993 until 1997, there was a pride that infused the family for all to see. The naming of the Avenue in honor of the Gunny will be something they will carry with them for a long time, understanding that being at the dedication is a once in a lifetime opportunity and an important part of Marine Corps history, seeing the legacy of a great man honored.

Richard and his daughter Melia had traveled from Rosamond to see history in the making. The Army veteran, who served from 1967 until 1971 as a door gunner in Hueys, felt that the honor of the street naming was well deserved. Richard believes that the Gunny would share the honor of the Avenue with all the boots that carried the weight of our wars, rather than to believe that the Avenue was all about him. Richard said the naming was the right thing to do and will be a point of pride in a valley that respects and honors its veterans.

Photograph courtesy of Karl Peterson

The Ermey Family with Steve Knight, Chuck Bostwick and Bart Avery.

In the crowd, I came across Brian Avery. This young man had a dream of owning a microbrewery, and joining forces with Gunny made that dream come true. The talented brewmaster, and the national icon willing to share his talents, helped an upstart business find its place in the craft beer world, with new and fresh ideas coming to fruition. Brian was pretty laid back viewing the celebration from the crowd. He knew the man of the hour very well, saying ”He was a part of my life and this celebration is just a continuation of the friendship that will continue to grow along with the business we created together. He may be gone, but his spirit will always be a part of the success of Bravery Brewing.”

The young ladies who serve as community queens for North Los Angeles County brought a touch of glitz and glitter to the festivities, and represented ages from the very young to college students. When I asked them what this day meant to them they seemed a bit overwhelmed, but the words ”respect for our military” and ”the legacy of a man who inspired a lot of people with good deeds and patriotism for our country” filled their answers. This is a group of young ladies who are very worldly in the understanding of service to country and understanding why the Gunny inspired so many in our valley and across the country. They are future leaders we, as a community, can be proud of … and I’m sure the Gunny would agree.

Jin Hur, owner of Crazy Otto’s and an immigrant from South Korea, has always put the American soldier front and center and has helped with many veteran outreach programs, volunteering for all kinds of veteran remembrances and memorials. Jin was the Gunny’s neighbor and friend. They didn’t have many interactions, but that didn’t stop Jin from understanding what the Gunny meant to the community. When I asked about the few people who were complaining about the street name change, he pointed out that it will always be Avenue N for those who want that name, but the majority will embrace the name change and find joy in driving on an avenue named for a very special guy.

Photograph by Tracey Alvis

Congressman Steve Knight, in his sharing of the man and his life, really summed it up when he said Ermey was the eternal optimist. Many times he contacted Knight at his office, willing to pass on the sage advice of a veteran Marine, as well as his views on all things political. Knight said the ultimate life experience would be sitting down with the Gunny and a beer and talking about life. I can totally see that as a highlight in anybody’s life.

Before Betty Ermey took center stage to say a few words and help with the unveiling of the signs that will grace the avenue named after her dad, Marine Sgt. Maj. Willie Ward III stood at the podium and put the entire day and its events into perspective. “Today we stand at a corner as a picture of what’s good in America, citizens coming together to honor a man that represents the very best of what we long for in our own lives. In a country where we have stolen valor by individuals that feel the need to be something they are not, it’s because they are empty of the exact things we celebrate here today. Duty to country, honor in living one’s life, family and giving back to others no matter how great or how small. That is the valor that is earned and R. Lee Ermey earned every bit of his and we will be reminded of it every day as we take a trip on a very special avenue, named for a man we called neighbor and a nation just called the Gunny.”

Yes, there were many more people and dignitaries that would speak and tell stories. The traditions of America were on full display and nobody left disappointed. In many ways, the attendees all left with different recollections of the morning’s events but one thing that united us all was the feeling that we were all now part of something bigger than ourselves and that we were one as a community. The Gunny had once more found a way to make us smile and come together. Semper Fi, Gunny, and we all thank you and look forward to driving on the Avenue that bears your name.

Photograph by Tracey Alvis