World War II Vet Forced to Abandon Maintaining Hillside Memorial Cross After 31 Years

94-year-old Arvo Kannisto, once a Lieutenant Colonel in World War II, has had a life full of danger and excitement. But now, because someone else fears the danger he might face, he’s been banned from maintaining a memorial he built and has been maintaining for 31 years.

94 Year Old Arvo Kannisto Forced to Stop Maintaining the Hillside Memorial Cross Hes Kept In Shape for 31 Years

Arvo Kannisto

Back in 1981, Kannisto went to a mountain near where he lives, in Santa Rosa, California, and pushed a massive assortment of stones into the shape of a cross so big that it’s visible from the bottom of the mountain. Kannisto claimed he built this giant makeshift monument to commemorate his fellow veterans, and also as a “love symbol” because, to quote him, “There’s too much hate in the world.”

94 Year Old Arvo Kannisto Forced to Stop Maintaining the Hillside Memorial Cross Hes Kept In Shape for 31 Years

Over the 31 years since then, Kannisto has been continually going back to the hill to keep the cross in good condition, so it won’t fade back into nature. And he would have kept doing so, even at the ripe old age of 94, if not for the fact that the owner of the property that the cross is on has recently decided that he doesn’t want Kannisto going up to keep doing it.

The reason is probably the best argument ever for a reform of our country’s lawsuit-happy culture. You see, the owner of the property had previously allowed Kannisto to maintain his creation, and still has no particular argument with Kannisto’s mission or his choice of symbol. However, because Kannisto is 94 and could easily hurt himself on the trek up to maintain his creation, the owner of the property is worried he’d be legally liable if Kannisto did get hurt, and wants to protect himself from a lawsuit, hence his commitment to ban the veteran from his land.

But this reasonable fear has had a horrible consequence – Kannisto is so upset at not being able to maintain his creation that he can’t even talk about it without bursting into tears, as this report from Fox News clearly shows:

 

“Perhaps that’s the reason why I’m 94-years-old because for over 31 years I’ve been climbing the mountain and replacing stones,” Kannisto says through tears in the report.

Needless to say, an alternate solution is being sought to amend this tragic situation. What it will be is up for debate, though presumably some sort of liability waiver would have to be drawn up between Kannisto and the owner of the property. Hopefully, this monument to one man‘s dedication won’t be dropped completely.

Comments (81)

1 2
  • conservativewoman
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 11:37pm

    Can’t a younger man take over for him? Hey you Santa Rosa men! This man needs your help!

    Report Post » conservativewoman  
    • JustMeHere_01
      Posted on June 2, 2012 at 12:20am

      An American Hero that chose to do this when he was in his 60′s is amazing to me. This gave him a reason for living. He did this from the memory of those that did not come home with him.

      Not many know what it was like when there was no precision bombing and that it took battalions of brave men to charge into live fire to overtake a samll parcel of territory. Our American heroes did this to preserve our freedoms.

      In todays world I can understand the fear of law suits, but I would have sit down with this veteran and tried to find a way to resolve this situation. This endeavor has evidently been a driving force for him to have lived such a long life.

      This American hero will not be here for much longer and this is important for him. Find a way to make his life as important as he has made the life of his falling comrades important to him.

      Get it done.

      Report Post » JustMeHere_01  
    • weremoose
      Posted on June 2, 2012 at 8:56am

      @conservativewoman

      My thoughts exactly. I wish I didn’t live so far away…

      Report Post » weremoose  
    • DogandPonyShow
      Posted on June 2, 2012 at 9:39am

      My other half is a Viet Nam Veteran, of the age when this wonderful man started this trek up that mountain, so this call is going out to the Nam Vets in that area, “Get off your butts and volunteer to go along with this WW2 Hero to ensure he doesn’t fall or slip”.

      Report Post »  
    • RamonPreston
      Posted on June 2, 2012 at 10:01am

      He doesn’t need a “replacement.“ He needs a ”companion” to go with him to appease the owner. Sign a release in case something happens. Let him continue until the day he dies. He will die happy.

      Report Post » RamonPreston  
    • db321
      Posted on June 2, 2012 at 11:11am

      Maybe we can have a moment of silence. I don’t know about you, but I’M TIRE OF BEING SILENT – It is time for God Fearing Americans to Get Up, Speak Up and Shut up all those that want to kick God out of this Country.

      Report Post » db321  
    • caveman74
      Posted on June 2, 2012 at 12:17pm

      I hope this cross remains there for as long as America is America, but that is not the point here. My Grandfather was told his heart would fail in his 60s but kept working his ranch. At 87 his right leg was amputated due to circulatory problems. This man could outwork me prior to the amputation (I was in my 20s at the time). He could no longer work his ranch after the surgery and passed away a few months later. The point is if you take away a mans reason to live….well….he no longer has a reason to live. If a younger man takes over caring for the cross this heroes heart will still be broken. Try giving up something you have done for 30+ years

      Report Post »  
    • Chickamonkey
      Posted on June 2, 2012 at 12:38pm

      I wish we could. Kannisto has been receiving help from people to maintain the cross. Unfortunately, the owner of the property said that the agreement was between the two of them and that Kannisto was in violation of that agreement by having people help him in maintaining the cross, and this why he made this decision. I hope the owner changes his mind. This would be a great project for the Boy Scouts of America to help in maintaining it. I believe the owner is caving to peer pressure as neighbors of his cannot even call it a cross and refer to it as ‘t’ in the local newspaper.

      Report Post »  
    • Thewayiseeit
      Posted on June 2, 2012 at 3:22pm

      Santa Rosa, CA is in Sonoma County, Same county Bohemian Grove is in.
      Probably one of the most liberal counties in California. That the new owner found a way to get rid of that Cross does not surprise me. That is how the ignorant & the heartless break down Americans so they can create their Socialist failure still again. No matter what that man does, the most likely Liberal, will carry on the legacy they are well known for. To give you an idea of what this county is like, Nancy Pelosi owns property just the other side of that same mountain in Napa county. Zinfandel Lane Vineyard near St. Helena, California & Skellenger Lane Vineyard near Napa. We all know what a pillar of Good Will she is… (Sarcasm) I wish Mr. Arvo Kannisto the very best of luck in this endeavor & I hope the new owner of that property comes to realize just how many of the community see that cross daily & also as something of value.

      Report Post » Thewayiseeit  
    • JediKnight
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 4:00pm

      Exactly what I was thinking. It’s time for the community to step up and simply have a few younger men take turns going up the mountain to maintain it.

      If I lived closer, I’d offer to do it.

      Report Post »  
  • LOTO
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 11:33pm

    Thank you Mr Kannisto.
    I am so sorry that you see this country in the shape its in and for the loss of those like you.
    I am sickened.

    Report Post » LOTO  
  • Netsurfer2
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 11:21pm

    And when he get’s to the top of the hill he says “W-h-e-r-e-s — B-I-L-L?”

    Report Post » Netsurfer2  
  • Murkman
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 10:02pm

    Take it away and that will surely kill him.

    Report Post »  
  • Skrewedretiree
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 9:51pm

    See my other post, if they post it.
    Funny ….I was involved in “Living History” for years, and each time, we had to sign a “hold harmless” waiver. It meant that NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENED we waived our right to sue. The restrictions then mounted, and the rights of the living historians melted.

    I no longer do Living History. I am now LIVING history: The development of the United Socialist Soviet States of America.

    Remember in November.

    Report Post » Skrewedretiree  
  • KangarooJack
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 9:50pm

    Someone please let this wonderful man know that HE created this monument. This cross is IN STONE! The grass may grow over it-yet, it’s not going anywhere…it’s in stone.

    To the schmuck neighbor who described it as breaking of the symmetry of the hillside? I’m POSITIVE you moved in well AFTER the cross was there. I’m equally POSITIVE that YOU are the kind of person who moves into a town from a city and then bitterly complains about the smells coming from the local Centennial farm….

    Report Post » KangarooJack  
    • marssnw
      Posted on June 2, 2012 at 2:18am

      Exactly Kangaroojack. That man just hates the sight of the cross and what it stands for.

      Report Post » marssnw  
    • joxercat
      Posted on June 2, 2012 at 12:19pm

      Makes ya wonder if he was the one complaining and wanted it removed. They just figure tell the man hes too old to climb the hill and then it will just go away little by little. If you want semetry for your hillside go live in the woods with the bears.

      Report Post »  
    • Bruce P.
      Posted on June 2, 2012 at 12:48pm

      KANGAROOJACK — we may people like that in my neighborhood. It suddenly became the trendy place to move into it…but now these new arrivals are complaining about a pork-plant that has a home in the neighborhood, demanding it be shut down. Just happens, all those demanding the plant shut down are white professionals, while the majority of the plant’s employees are working class whites and blacks.

      Report Post » Bruce P.  
  • 1SSF
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 9:48pm

    This is no longer the same country he fought for. He knows it. It is tough to see and it breaks his heart. It is these old warriors that remember living in an America of wealth; a government that valued The Four Freedoms; and who relished the truth breath of liberty . . . who have witnessed the slow death of a country that once was.

    Report Post » 1SSF  
  • Skrewedretiree
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 9:41pm

    Most of the WW2 veterans I know voted democrat all thjeir lives. They know what they fought for.
    Now they are finding out what they voted for.

    Report Post » Skrewedretiree  
  • macpappy
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 9:40pm

    Ah, red meat for the wolves.

    Report Post » macpappy  
  • Bruce P.
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 9:28pm

    There is a very simple solution to this. Have him sign a waiver releasing the land owner from liability and have someone escort this gentleman up there. Heck, if I were in his area, I would gladly volunteer my services.

    Report Post » Bruce P.  
  • Carpe Diem
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 9:22pm

    My prediction is a waiver will never happen. Somebody got to that owner. God haters win another small battle. I pray they don’t win.

    Report Post » Carpe Diem  
  • marssnw
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 9:20pm

    It breaks my heart to see a hero cry. Im sure they could have had him sign a waiver, but I am positive it is not about being sued. This is about political correctness and today’s society. People hate the cross and will do anything and everything they can to not be reminded of what Christ did for them. This vet is who we should be looking up to. Instead people would rather spit on a man that has done more for this country than they could ever know. Political Correctness and the fascist of this country are driving the once great United States into extinction. It is really sad to watch how far this country has fallen because a few evil men want nothing more than power and control. It’s time people took a stand just like this brave man did and is still doing to this day. If we stand by and idly do nothing, then we are really no better than the people who are destroying the country. “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing” – Edmund Burke

    Report Post » marssnw  
    • joxercat
      Posted on June 2, 2012 at 12:25pm

      Maybe Donald Trump or some other wealthy God loving celebrity could buy the hill then we would not have a problem. They are making this man look like an invalid because of his age. My Uncle was a farmer and grew a big veggie garden and maintained it up until he was 100. He then gave it to a friend in the apartment complex where he lives. Age is a state of mind and this is just a way to eliminate what offends the minoity. Maybe one of the local high schools or colleges… VFWs or Army units located in the area could adopt the cross .. kinda like they adopt a highway and maintain it. Come on guys we know you are out there!

      Report Post »  
  • Bruce P.
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 9:06pm

    Seems like a simple enough problem to solve. Have him sign a waiver and have someone escort him up the hill. Hell, if I lived in his area, I would gladly volunteer my services.

    Report Post » Bruce P.  
    • troymac20
      Posted on June 2, 2012 at 12:15pm

      Exactly, That’s probably what keep him going so he could make it to 94. And if they found someone to escort him they could probably take over for him someday so his memorial can continue on even when he is gone.

      Report Post » troymac20  
  • marssnw
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 9:06pm

    That is just sad. It breaks my heart to see a hero cry. Im sure they could have just had him sign a waiver, but it probably has nothing to do with being sued. People hate the cross and are offended by God in general. It‘s to bad they don’t realize what Christ and this WW2 vet did for them and this country. The haters and “politically correct” fascist are ruining this country.

    Report Post » marssnw  
  • Wolfgang the Gray
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 8:46pm

    If I lived near him, I would go up with him to ensure he made the trip up and down safely. Any Blaze patrons that live in Santa Rosa that are willing to step up to help an honored veteran continue honoring his fellow soldiers?

    This is how traditions are made. We cannot let our country lose these small traditions and become nothing more than a symbol that we have forgotten those that fought and died for our freedom!

    Report Post » Wolfgang the Gray  
    • Magyar
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 8:55pm

      Bless you for offering your help. Perhaps someone could step forward, meet with the landowner and take over responsibility for the next generation!

      Please help to make sure this tradition goes on!

      Thanks!

      Report Post »  
  • yiska8
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 8:38pm

    I hope the Lt. Colonel keeps up that wonderful monument. It has kept him going and I wish for the property owner to please work something out as far as liability. Maybe local boy scouts could help or supporters from the local VFW. Another rare and beautiful story of a soldier’s devotion and loyalty to his buddies. May the Lord keep him safe on those hikes as he has for 31 years. Bless you Lt.Colonel Kannisto for your service to our nation and the property owner for allowing the cross to remain.

    Report Post » yiska8  
  • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 8:35pm

    Just like always, when we are in trouble, lets send in the Marines. They will retake that hill and preserve our freedoms.

    Semper Fi.

    Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • macpappy
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 9:38pm

      Yeah, lets send one of the new gay regiments.

      Report Post » macpappy  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 9:44pm

      That would be the Navy.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • marine249
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 10:51pm

      DARMOK

      Your comment re navy

      Like it. ha ha ha

      Report Post »  
    • armyofnibiru
      Posted on June 2, 2012 at 1:00am

      ignorence lol .hey marines without the navy how will you get there? hey army how will you get there?and how will the airforce get there without the navy. I solute all those in all the forces. to denegrate those in the forces you were not in is small .thank you to all that served an god bless LT Colonel Kannisto.

      Report Post »  
    • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
      Posted on June 2, 2012 at 1:35am

      @armyofnibru
      The Air Foce can fly OVER the water. We can get there quickly, drop our payload, and get back to the O Club for beverages.
      The Navy’s job is to give a ride to the Marines and the Army, so they can do their job.

      Again, Semper Fi to the Devil Dogs
      Hooowa to the Soldiers.

      And one other thing, The Air Force also has bunker busters and Nukes. We like to send our Officers to do the job, us enlisted just keep the tarmac clean and the jets loaded. Go get em, Sir.

      Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
  • godlovinmom
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 8:32pm

    Watched this, this morning…the old guys sure do get “choked” up…Arvo served his country well and wants to remember the fellow soldiers that died around him with this memorial…I think that’s the least we could do for him is let him have his memorial…too bad some people are so offended by a cross on a hillside.

    Report Post » godlovinmom  
    • thetreyman
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 8:49pm

      um, this is not about someone being offended. it is about the property owner being liable if he gets hurt. my grandfather ended up having to get waivers of liability, from my friends parents, if they ever wanted to stay over and go hunting on his land. that was in the early 90′s so i am surprised more people dont do this now as it is a sue happy country.

      Report Post » thetreyman  
    • StonyBurk
      Posted on June 2, 2012 at 8:10am

      I agree, Maam–Let him have it. I would like to see Congress involved and that patch of ground declared a National War Memorial –the owner of the land could do a land swap -and the acre transferred to the local VFW to maintain that Memorial. Modeled after the Mojave Cross Memorial storywith a nod to current caretaker Mr.Sandoz a true American Patriot .

      Report Post »  
    • thetreyman
      Posted on June 2, 2012 at 10:28am

      nice, you just called for the government taking private property from someone and giving it to someone else. maybe this property owner doesnt want to give up that property. do you call yourself a conservative? you’re acting like a lib. we dont need to get congress involved in this just because it would make you feel good.

      Report Post » thetreyman  
    • godlovinmom
      Posted on June 2, 2012 at 1:27pm

      I know what the story was about…but I’m thinking that cross on the hill has a lot to do with it to…just a guess…bet I’m more right than wrong……I agree with you on the point of not taking this property owners land…but this property owner could have a heart and work it out with Arvo, to allow him to keep his memorial.

      Report Post » godlovinmom  
  • dmar003
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 8:27pm

    This goes to show how the law is. He has going up there for 31 yrs, he is 94. The cross represents the soldiers that fought for our freedom during WW II.
    The new owner should let him maintane the cross, he has gone up there for 31yrs and no problems has happend.
    If you don’t let him maintane the cross, you are heartless. He cryes when he talks about it.
    Every time he goes to maintane the cross, he does it for his pride and the pride of men that did not make it home.

    Report Post » dmar003  
    • rickc34
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 9:13pm

      I do not think it is pride. Men in war develope a brotherhood like a family. Love and memories that he holds dear to his heart. He made it home but the did not their sacrifice is the mortar that holds this country together. My uncle who was a vet WWll spoke of his comrads who died defending this country.

      Report Post »  
  • RepubliCorp
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 8:25pm

    I hope they can work it out…….

    Report Post » RepubliCorp  
  • ChevalierdeJohnstone
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 8:25pm

    “The reason is probably the best argument ever for a reform of our country’s lawsuit-happy culture.”

    Absolutely right. This is not the owner’s fault. He faces a multi-million-dollar lawsuit if the honorable veteran falls (made not by the old gentleman, but “on his behalf” by “concerned groups” represented by ambulance-chasers). Any responsible husband, parent, or general law-abiding citizen would and should do exactly the same thing as the owner of this property. The problem is the system.

    Report Post »  
  • wordweaver
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 8:22pm

    A liability waiver seems like an easy solution if the property owner is still okay with the monument. I‘m surprised they didn’t think of it from the outset.

    Report Post » wordweaver  
  • Patriot Z
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 8:22pm

    heck blazers…lets get someone out there. start a fund to help hire someone to go out aand help him!

    Report Post » Patriot Z  
  • whatthecrazy
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 8:18pm

    What a precious man and a beautiful cross,you sir are a blessing……….

    Report Post »  
  • Chuck Stein
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 8:15pm

    Here is another oddity in the law: if Col. Kannisto had been going up the mountain for 21 years WITHOUT permission to gather the stones and show the cross, then he could have established a legal right to keep on doing as he has been doing. But the permission he got negates his ability to establish rights by adverse usage.

    Report Post »  
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