This Memorial Day weekend, Walnut Creek has extra reason to pause and reflect. Two local World War II veterans — Earl “Chuck” Kohler of Clayton and “Papa” Jake Larson of Martinez — will be featured in nationally televised Memorial Day specials, bringing the stories of the Greatest Generation from our own backyard to living rooms across America.
Their recognition comes as communities throughout Contra Costa County prepare for a weekend of remembrance, ceremonies, and the unofficial start of summer.
Local Heroes, National Stage
Earl “Chuck” Kohler, a Clayton resident, and “Papa” Jake Larson of Martinez are among the dwindling number of WWII veterans still with us to share firsthand accounts of the war. Both men have become well-known figures in Contra Costa County for their willingness to speak at schools, community events, and veterans gatherings about their experiences.
The two separate television specials airing this weekend represent a rare moment of national attention for local veterans whose stories might otherwise fade from public memory. With fewer than 120,000 of the 16 million Americans who served in WWII still living — and that number shrinking daily — each preserved story carries outsized weight.
Memorial Day Observances in Walnut Creek
For those looking to honor the fallen closer to home, Walnut Creek offers several ways to observe the holiday:
- Veterans Memorial Plaza at Civic Park (1375 Civic Drive) — The plaza, dedicated to Walnut Creek residents who served, is open daily and provides a quiet space for reflection. Flags are typically placed at the memorial for the holiday weekend.
- Civic Park hosts informal gatherings throughout the weekend, with families often visiting the memorial on Monday morning.
- Lesher Center for the Arts (1601 Civic Drive) — While the center runs on a reduced holiday schedule, its outdoor plaza and the public art installations along Locust Street offer additional spaces for community reflection.
A Weekend of Remembrance and Community
Beyond the formal observances, Memorial Day weekend in Walnut Creek marks the shift into summer rhythms. The Walnut Creek Downtown Association notes that many locally owned shops and restaurants will maintain regular hours throughout the weekend, with some offering specials for veterans and active-duty military.
Broadway Plaza will be open regular hours (11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday) with modified hours on Memorial Day. The city’s parks and open spaces — including the Iron Horse Regional Trail and the open spaces ringing Mt. Diablo — offer ample room for the traditional Memorial Day cookout or morning hike.
Why It Matters
Memorial Day can easily blur into a long weekend of sales and barbecues. But in a community like Walnut Creek — home to Veterans Memorial Plaza, a robust VFW presence, and neighbors like Kohler and Larson whose service reached a national audience — the weight of the day sits closer to the surface.
The City of Walnut Creek flags all City facilities at half-staff on Memorial Day. City offices are closed Monday, May 25, and resume regular hours Tuesday, May 26.
Take a moment this weekend. The memorial at Civic Park is a five-minute walk from anywhere downtown. It’s worth the detour.
Memorial Day is Monday, May 25, 2026. For information on local veterans services, visit the City of Walnut Creek or the Contra Costa County Veterans Service Office at 10 Douglas Drive, Martinez.
