World War II re-enactor Richard Gentry of Monroe, La., tries on a World War II helmet Saturday at the Vicksburg National Military Park as the nation marked the dedication of the World War II Memorial in Washington. Entertained by the military park show is Steven Fletcher of New Orleans, visiting with his father, Lynn Fletcher. In the background is a WWII-era utility car, part of the park’s America’s Soldiers: Our Military Through the Ages’ exhibit, which will be on display again today, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The display includes re-enactors and original vehicles from the World Wars I and II, Korea and Vietnam eras.(Meredith Spencer The Vicksburg Post)

[5/30/04]World War II survivors, all residents of Vicksburg, stood Saturday with their hands over their hearts as they sang the national anthem and honored themselves and their brethren for the first time.

“It is these veterans who established a legacy of service to our country we are a part of that legacy,” said retired U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. James O. Bowman of Vicksburg as he addressed the dozen veterans at the American Legion Tyner-Ford Post 213.

“I am proud to be an American because of the names that were read today,” he said after the names of the 30 WWII vets were read aloud for the nearly 50 people at the Main Street building.

The names represent vets who are members of the post.

The group basked in the honor as the nation marked the first Memorial Day weekend devoted to World War II. The tribute stemmed from the Washington, D.C., dedication of the World War II Memorial.

Bowman, an ordained minister and a veteran of the Vietnam and Persian Gulf wars, recounted the history of WWII.

He commended those who “fought for America’s freedom.”

Post member Dorwin Shields said the ceremony, which included singing, praying and speaking, was also meant to recognize black veterans and “the memories of those not here to see this day that has long been coming.”

Bowman said it is necessary to honor the past in order to ensure the future.

“It is the veterans who still salute the flag today who still serve under the flag,” he said.

Col. Bennie Terrell was master of ceremonies.

“I am proud to have the number we have here to show our thanks to our vets,” he said.

One veteran, Louis Spencer, recounted his experiences overseas and how he overcame the hardships afforded black members of the armed forces.

“We went through something. We couldn’t ride on the same trains, but God fixed it we got this far,” he said.

“Prayer will change conditions,” he said.