November 19, 2008

Special Veterans Day, anniversary program

held at Marlin’s First Presbyterian Church

THANK YOU, VETERAN - Jim Cathey, left visits with
World War II veteran Jack Stem following a special Veterans
Day Service and 90th anniversary of the Armistice Day
celebration held at the First Presbyterian Church in Marlin

On November 11, 1918, a celebration was held at the newly completed First Presbyterian Church in Marlin following the signing of the Armistice to end the war of all wars.

On November 11, 2008, in conjunction with the anniversary and to pay tribute to our veterans, another celebration was held at the church.

The program, co-sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church and the Falls County Historical Commission began with a welcome by Dr. F. H. Mitchell, pastor of the church, and Trudi Asbury, chair of the Historical Commission. An opening prayer was delivered by Rev. William Benner, Naval Chaplain (H, R.) followed by the Pledge of Allegiance lead by Falls County Judge R. Steven Sharp. Judge Sharp then announced, the traditional placing of the wreath in front of the Veteran's Memorial on the Courthouse Square and the bell ringing ceremony, would not be held because of the inclement weather.

Elizabeth Nelson, Mayor PreTem of the city of Marlin addressed those gathered and read a letter from a veteran's wife about "What do you say to a veteran".

The "Ragged Old Flag," a poem written by country music legend Johnny Cash was then presented by Marlin's own storyteller, Jim Cathey.

Jack Smith, representing State Senator Kip Averitt who was not able to attend, recognized several veterans from Falls County and gave a brief history of each which follows: Just over 69 years ago on September 1, 1939, Germany sparking the start of world war two. Within two days, Britain and France were at war with Germany and within a week, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and South Africa had joined in the conflict. America did not officially join the war until after December 4, 1941, when the Japanese attacked the American naval station at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii causing great human casualties and loss of many ships. This war involved the mobilization of over 100 million military personnel, making it the most widespread war in history. Over 70 million people, the majority of them civilians, were killed, making it the deadliest conflict in human history. Over 14 million allied military were killed. Falls County is proud of the many men and women who served to preserve our freedom.

Dr. Harold Owen Smith (deceased) was a surgeon on naval war ships from 1942 - 1945 in the pacific. Dr. Smith received the personal commendation for his service from Admiral Chester Nimitz. His son Harold, another doctor, his daughter-in-law Pat and his grandson, Tommy still live in Marlin and are here today.

Also with us today is Jack Stem, is another veteran of the pacific conflict. Jack had just graduated from Waco High School and was preparing to enroll in Baylor University where he had received an athletic scholarship in swimming when the attack on Pearl Harbor came. Within a few short months, he was drafted into active duty in the Army and was sent to California for basic training Islands for jungle training. From there his group was loaded onto a troop transport ship and headed for somewhere in the south pacific they were not told where at that time but landed on Tinnian in the Marianas islands.

Jack says they were securing one side of the island but could not leave because the Japanese were still active in the jungles and mountains. The army was building an air base and their job was to keep the enemy from stopping the construction. Although they did not know it at the time this would be the air base that would launch the American plane, "Enola Gay" which would drop the atomic bomb ending the war. Jack was awarded the south pacific the after of operation and 2 south pacific battle stars. Jack returned to the states, entered Baylor, was a member of the swimming team, met the girl who would become his wife and graduated. He took a job with the Marlin Veterans hospital, raised two children and retired after 40 years of service. Virginia, his first wife went to be with the Lord and several years later he married Jo who is I here today

The Korean War refers to a period of conflict between north and South Korea regimes with major hostilities lasting from June 25, 1950 until the armistice signed on July 27, 1953. Both Koreas were attempting to reunify Korea under their respective governments, with both sides supported by external powers, mainly the United States and the Soviet Union. This war is often called the "forgotten war" the 20th century that gets less attention than way, which preceded it, and the Vietnam War, which succeeded it. But it was a costly war in every way with nearly 34,000 dead, approximately 5,000 missing in action and over 7,000 prisoners of war. Nearly 3,000 POWs died in captivity. No one knows the costly effects better than our own Phillip White.

Phillip, a native of Marlin joined the Army in 1948 and was captured by the North Koreans on November 30, 1950 and remained a POW until august 14, 1953. He is one of the longest held prisoners of war during this conflict. He tells of living those 33 months and 17 days on rice, millet, and corn-a complete starch diet. The prisoners received no medical care and often had severe digestive problems from the poor diet. Many died and the other prisoners had to bury them in the snow, but Phillip lived and came to continue service to his country until he retired in 1972 as a Staff Sergeant (E-6). Phillip and his wife have six children, three boys and three girls.

The Vietnam is the longest military conflict in American history. By the end of the war which began in 1965 with American combat troops and ended in 1973, there were 58,000 American soldiers killed, 304,000 wounded and over 2500 unaccounted for American prisoners, MIAs or killed in action/body not accounted for. This was an extremely unpopular war causing civil unrest at home. But the young men who were sent there did so with honor and a commitment to uphold the honor of their country. We owe all of these men our sincere gratitude and heartfelt thanks.

Pete Ramos grew up in Marlin. He joined the United States Marines Corps in 1964 and was sent to Vietnam where he served 14 months in the jungles of Vietnam as a machine gunner. Pete, as a sergeant, and his company would be dropped into the jungle and left there for months on end before being picked up. Hunger, snakes, insects and constant dampness were as much an enemy as the real enemy itself. Pete saw many of his men die and he himself was wounded on two different occasions. During operation Double Eagle, his unit was awarded the presidential unit citation from president Lyndon Johnson for defeating an extremely large enemy force.

While in Vietnam, Pete became dear friends with an African-American soldier who would later be appointed secretary of veteran's affairs by president Bill Clinton. His name was James Brown (deceased).

Pete has two brothers who also served in Vietnam, and, on one major combat operation ran into one of them.

Following the 14-month tour of duty in Vietnam, Pete was assigned to security for NATO dignitaries, nuclear submarines and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Pete retired from the marines in 1968. Retiring to Marlin, he worked for the Marlin VA. He and his wife, Corine, have four sons and a daughter.

Pete is now 100% disabled from his wounds and time spent in Vietnam.

A double honor goes to Ferman Anderson, a veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam War. A native of Marlin, he entered the Army in 1946. In 1950 he was sent to Korea where he was wounded and was presented with the Purple Heart. Following the Korean War he remained in the service and was sent to Vietnam where he was once again wounded twice and received two purple hearts. He also received the Vietnam service metal and the Vietnam campaign metal w/device. Ferman served in the army for over 20 years and retired as a Specialist Sergeant E-6. He returned to Marlin where he worked for Paul Ford dealership as a mechanic. Throughout the years, he has used his skills as a mechanic to repair the automobiles of many people who could not pay. Ferman considers this as his contribution to the community. He also is a farmer. He is a trustee at the Marlin Missionary Baptist Church and teaches Sunday school. He and his wife had four children. His wife and daughter have gone to be with the Lord.

Desert storm, in contrast to Vietnam War, was a very short-lived conflict. When Hussein invaded Kuwait on August 2, 1990, the United States quickly took action. Hussein refused to meet the dead line of January 15, 1991 to remove his troops, the US along with 34 other countries, began an invasion of Kuwait to force him out. These strategies were successful and the Iraqi, republic guard was driven back to bag dad. The US decided to end the conflict in February 1991. The superiority of American forces and technology created a new kind of war. A war with only 148 causalities and of the 148, 31% were from friendly fire.

Gunnery Sergeant Michael Webber, a member of the US Marine Corps, along with his unit was one of the first to arrive in the country only days after the Iraqi invasion. His unit was the first to attack Iraq in the opening hours of Desert Storm. They remained in country after the cease-fire and were the last to leave.

Following Desert Storm, Michael was deployed to Japan and Korea to provide stability for the area and to train members of that country's military marines. He has been sent throughout the Far East to offer operational support. His unit was also involved in operation Iraqi freedom and enduring freedom.

Michael has received many commendations including the Navy/Marine Corps commendation medal, five Navy/Marine Corps achievement medals, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, five meritorious unit commendations, seven good conduct medals, multiple rifle expert award, pistol expert award and the list goes on. It will suffice to say that Michael Webber has been well trained by the US Marine Corp and he in return has repaid them and his country by giving outstanding service of competency and valor.

Michael and his wife, Regina, have two children. They returned to Marlin to live after his retirement nom the Marines in 2008, and he is employed by Golden Rail Construction.

Other veterans on hand were also recognized for service to their country, not only in war, but in peacetime as well.

Rev. Benner gave the closing Prayer followed by Dr. Mitchell who delivered the benediction.