MASON CITY – Veterans who served with the United States Marines held a picnic in East Park this weekend.
Many of these vets with the Marine Corp. League Detachment #859 served in wars that shaped the history of America. Some served in Korea, some in Vietnam, and there was a World War II vet in attendance as well. Some brought friends and family to enjoy food, perfect weather and memories.
State Senator Amanda Ragan joined the vets, saying it was a welcome break from her day to sit down and chat in the park.
NIT was invited to stop by and interview a few of the gentlemen in attendance, and snap a few photos.
Vietnam vets Ernie Martinez of Mason City and James Boggess of Thompson, Iowa said “there’s a lot of BS going on here” with a chuckle. Both agreed that the Vietnam war is beginning to take a somewhat different feel in the annals of history after the years have passed.
“People recognize us more for our service,” Mr. Martinez said.
Chuck Harris of Mason City is a Korean War vet and a former judo expert. He reminisced about the incredibly difficult conditions he and his fellow Marines faced in 1951. He said while he was overseas, he bumped into a fellow Mason City man serving in the war, who was taking a bath in a river. “He jumped out of the river, and we immediately began to fistfight,” Chuck recalled. “Then we hugged.”
The Marine Corp. League Detachment #859 is the second largest in Iowa after the Davenport detachment. It is involved in several charities, including Toys for Tots.
thanx – fine message about the Marine Corps League