California
State Military DepartmentLocated in Valley Center, Camp William B. Roe was a training camp for the 8th Regiment of the California State Guard. It was named for Captain William Beach Roe, of the California State Guard by General Order No. 23, dated 9 April 1942. The following article was taken from the June 17, 1942 issue of the San Diego Union which was provided by Captain Roe's grandson, Bill Roe of Chula Vista:
Her voice choked with emotion but fighting bravely to hold back the tears. Mrs. Florence Roe, of San Diego, yesterday presented a flag to the Eighth Regiment, California State guard, as part of stirring ceremonies at which the regiment camp near Valley Center was dedicated to the memory of her husband.
The camp was named in honor of Capt. William Roe who assisted in organizing the state guard and was one of the first executive officers. Roe, a World War I veteran, died last August.
Attending the ceremonies were Brig. Gen. J. O. Donovan, commanding the state guard; Col. Rupert Hughes, noted author, who commands the second area of the state guard; Lt. Col. Murney Mintzei, commanding the Eighth regiment; Col. Jesse M. Holmes, U.S.A., ret.; Maj. Chapman Grant, U.S.A., ret.; William G. Roe, Capt. Roe's son, and Mrs. Minnie Brown, Mrs. Roe's mother.
TWO PLATOONS PRESENT
Only two platoons of the regiment took part in the dedication as other 7 state guardsmen were on duty protecting "the city and county reservoirs and other strategic points.
In presenting the Stars and Stripes to Capt. H. K. Raymenton, training camp commnder, Mrs. Roe said:
"I am deeply grateful for the privilege of presenting this flag on behalf of my beloved husband, Capt. William B. Roe, for whom this camp is named."
PAY TRIBUTE TO ROE
"I accept this flag on behalf of the officers and men of this camp," replied Raymenton.
"Today I am asked to speak about a friend who served in the same division I did in France. When I started to organize the state guard he gave me every, assistance and encourgement. Bill Roe was a fine distinguished officer."Even to think of Bill saddens me and it is difficult for me to find words adequately to express my feelings. I feel that it is a fitting thing to dedicate this camp to the memory of Capt. Bill Roe."
COL. HUGHES SPEAKS
Hughes, in a brief talk to the state guardsmen, said:
- "My heart aches
for the widow of Capt. Roe. I ask that you guardsmen keep his
name forever in your memory and that you make yourselves good
soldiers as quickly as you can for it is you that must aid to
preserve the ideals and institutions of our country."
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