Placed on the I-5 Freeway near the Ortega Highway exit in San Juan Capistrano is a memorial sign dedicated to late veteran Senior Master Sergeant John James Paoletti, who passed away on November 14, 2020 in his San Clemente home.
Paoletti was a veteran who notably fought in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II while serving in the Army. At the end of his Army career, he re-enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a cryptology expert and oversaw the installation of cryptographic units across Europe.
On Saturday, Aug. 24, family and friends gathered with Assemblymember Laurie Davies of the 74th District to celebrate the launch of the John James Memorial Highway along the I-5. The ceremony was held at the Dorothy Visser Senior Center in San Clemente, where Paoletti would often spend his lunch hour, making it a fitting location for the celebration of his memorial. The memorial highway has been in the making for over two years, with Davies pushing for the highway to be dedicated to Paoletti.
After serving more than 24 years in the military, Paoletti dedicated his life to sharing his World War II experiences with local high school students, frequently speaking in World History classrooms throughout Orange County, where he inspired many young people, along with working as a Civil Servant in the Postal Service.
“John learned before his passing in 2020 that a young high school pupil who attended his history talk was so inspired that he now serves as an active United States Navy Seal, and this young man credits John as his inspiration to serve his country,” said Assemblymember Laurie Davies.
About 40 people gathered at the highway dedication celebration on Saturday, including one of Paoletti’s daughters, Victoria Paoletti-Tejeda, who gave a speech in honor of her father.
“I would like to thank you all for sharing this day and celebration with us. We know my dad would be very honored to be remembered with this memorial sign,” Paoletti-Tejada said.
With a huge grin on her face, Victoria gushed over her father and the memories and stories he had told her over the years. “My father loved to talk about his family, hometown and all the crazy shenanigans he used to get into with his friends,” she said.
On December 16, 1944, as winter set in, the German army launched a counteroffensive aimed at breaking through the Allied Forces to shift the war in Hitler’s favor. The ensuing conflict, known as the Battle of the Bulge, was one in which Paoletti fought—a fact that Victoria highlighted during her speech.
“My father’s memories of his experience in World War II remained closed off for most of his life. When I asked him a few years ago, before he passed, how he managed to survive, his answer was, ‘I was always grateful … I was just thankful for the food and warmth.’ This was an example of how gratitude anchored his life.”
Victoria concluded her speech by saying, “It is our hope that commuters along the Interstate 5 Freeway will be reminded that America is built, defended, and continues to be protected by heroic soldiers just like our father.”
The sign can be seen near the Ortega Highway exit along I-5 in San Juan Capistrano – in both north and south directions.