
LOWER LAKE – On Monday a public memorial will open to the public in honor of a local Marine killed in Afghanistan last week.
Lance Corporal Ivan Wilson, 22, died July 21 after being fatally injured by an improvised explosive device while supporting combat operations as part of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan's Helmand province, as Lake County News has reported.
A memorial site where the community may pay its respects and offer tributes to the young Marine will open Monday at Jones and Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel, located at 16140 Main St. in Lower Lake, Wilson family friend Ginny Craven reported.
Wilson's family in Clearlake has not yet announced details of his funeral or other final arrangements.
Wilson joined the Marines on Sept. 11, 2005, a year after graduating from Clearlake Community School. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps, based in Twentynine Palms.
Prior to serving in Afghanistan, Wilson had served a tour in Iraq in 2007.
County offices are keeping flags at half-staff in Wilson's memory through Monday.
Flags in Sacramento also were flown at half-staff late last week in Sacramento by order of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Private First Class Ivan Wilson, who dedicated his life to protecting the liberty of his fellow citizens and Marines,” Schwarzenegger said in a written statement. “Californians are forever indebted to Ivan’s unwavering courage and service. Maria and I send our deepest condolences to Ivan’s family and friends.”
The US Marine Corps told Lake County News that Wilson received a posthumous promotion from private first class to lance corporal.
E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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