By Angela Mason Lowe
On July 4th, America’s favorite patriotic holiday, veterans join the celebrations but also reflect on the sacrifices made for America’s independence. This Fourth of July, allow time to listen to the veterans’ wisdom and valuable life experiences when friends and family gather around churns of homemade ice cream, hot dogs, and backyard games.
Amid celebrations across America, die-hard fans fill stadiums or lawn chairs to cheer the favorite and oldest sports tradition – baseball. Even Marines found baseball boosted morale during and after World War II. WWII Marine Corps veteran Walter Greene was no exception. Greene pitched for his Marine Corps base team. He returned home to Spartanburg, SC, to manage and play baseball in a Textile League.
Greene joined the USMC on March 8th, 1944, at age seventeen. In 1945, Greene served as a rifleman in the 4thMarine Division, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, Company G, and participated in the first wave invasion of Iwo Jima. His company received the Presidential Unit Citation Medal for accomplishing a mission under difficult and dangerous conditions. The award recognizes the unit’s extraordinary performance and heroism. Green was wounded and received the Purple Heart. He was the youngest of six brothers who all served during WWII, and all remarkably came home.
When asked what celebrating Independence Day meant to Greene as an American and a veteran, the ninety-nine-year-old veteran replied, “July 4th to me is about God and family, this great nation, and the freedoms we enjoy.”
U.S. Army veteran and retired business owner, Frank Sullivan, enlisted at age seventeen and a half. He volunteered for Vietnam in September 1967, serving as a Staff Sergeant assigned to Troop B, 1st Squadron, 1st Armored Cavalry. Wounded in battle, Sullivan received two Purple Hearts and was awarded the Silver Star Medal for his unquestionable bravery and valor.
Sullivan said, “American Independence Day is what it says, which is freedom. I’m so appreciative of the soldiers from the Revolutionary War who were the first to fight for our freedom! We had an army before we had a country. As a veteran, I see my service in the US Army as fulfilling my obligation to our great country’s freedom, and I was willing to die for our country’s freedom. Our younger generation doesn’t have any idea what our brave men and women have sacrificed for their freedom. It isn’t just a day to party, but to reflect on all who fought so they have the freedom to party. I was simply doing my job to protect our country and its people.”
Retired teacher and veteran Mary Ellen Mullikin was the first female company Commander of the South Carolina Army National Guard. She and her husband Jerry both served in the military. Her father, Stanley Johnston, Sr, was a decorated hero of WWII. As a mother, daughter, and wife, she knows firsthand the sacrifices made by those who serve their country. Mullikin said, “The 4th of July was always a special day in our family. My mother’s favorite. It’s not just the wonderful fireworks displays, it’s being conscious of the men and women who, for centuries, dedicated their time/lives and ensured the countless freedoms that we now enjoy are kept intact. It’s true, “freedom is not free.”
The Marine Corps veteran Jeremiah Palmer was wounded in Vietnam and is a recipient of the Purple Heart. He is the Pastor of New Broadmouth Baptist in Honea Path, SC. Active throughout his community, Palmer serves on various civic boards in leadership positions. He is a chaplain for the Marine Corps League and other military organizations, including Vets Helping Vets Anderson. Reverend Palmer’s statement of love and belief in America is heartfelt:
“I have always been proud to be an American. I think our country is the best in the world to live our free lives in. I will always pledge allegiance to our great flag of America and proudly celebrate the independence and freedom of our country on the 4th of July. I have always and will always support, stand, pray, and love our country.”
U.S. Army Airborne veteran Jesse Wade Taylor served as a Combat Infantryman during the Vietnam War. Taylor was awarded the Silver Star Medal, two Bronze Stars with Valor, and numerous other awards and citations. He is the founder of Vets Helping Vets Anderson, an organization of veterans dedicated to serving each other and their community.
Patriotism echoed through each veteran’s remarks. Taylor’s reflection on Independence Day underscored each veteran’s sentiment when he stated, “Celebrating Independence Day is to carry on the tradition of the Greatest Generation, love of my country, and dedication to defending the way of life I was brought up in. One nation under God!”
For information about Vets Helping Vets Anderson: www.VHVA.org.