UPDATE: A historic moment is set to unfold as father and son, Roy Cantu and Clemente Cantu, will be honored as the latest Humboldt Heroes this Friday, December 1, 2023, at 12:00 PM in Eureka, California. This unique recognition marks the first time a father-son duo has received this honor together during the monthly ceremony.
Clemente Cantu, known as Clem, was born in February 1929 in Casper, Wyoming. He enlisted in the Army at just 19 years old, following World War II, serving in Italy as part of the occupational forces. He played the trumpet in an infantry and band unit, showcasing his commitment to both service and music.
In 1949, Clem married his wife, Maria, in Trieste, Italy, and returned to the U.S. with her and their newborn son, Roy, after his honorable discharge in 1952. The family moved to Humboldt County in 1973, where Clem took on vital roles, including manager and shop maintenance supervisor for the National Guard. He proudly served for 41 years before retiring in 1989.
Clem, who celebrated 76 years of marriage with Maria before her passing in 2019, remains active in the community as a former member of the Red Bluff Elks Lodge and the Eureka VFW Post 1872, where he served as Post Commander.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Roy Cantu enlisted in the Navy on Veterans’ Day, November 11, 1968. He served aboard three nuclear ballistic missile submarines, completing 13 patrols in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans as a sonar/electronics technician. His dedication led him to a position as quality assurance supervisor/auditor for Submarine Squadron 7 based in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Roy’s career culminated in his retirement as a chief petty officer in 1990, after 21 years of service. He later moved to Eureka in 1994, where he became a photographer and web designer, cherishing the natural beauty and close-knit community.
This Friday’s ceremony will take place inside the lobby of the Eureka Inn, located at 518 Seventh Street, Eureka. The public is invited to honor these two remarkable veterans whose legacies continue to inspire.
For those looking to nominate a veteran for future recognition as a “Humboldt Hero,” please contact State Farm insurance agent Scott Hammond at 707-444-2504.
Join the community this Friday to celebrate the incredible service of Roy and Clemente Cantu, a testament to dedication and family legacy in the armed forces. Don’t miss this opportunity to honor their contributions and hear their inspiring stories firsthand.
