by Marianne Gasaway
Clear Lake residents gathered Monday, first at the lake and then at the cemetery, to pay tribute to those who gave their lives in service to our country.
“I’m a Marine and I’m proud of it. Semper Fi!” said Eldon Vine as he stepped to the podium as keynote speaker of the day at Clear Lake Memorial Day services. According to Marines, the term semper fi is a Latin phrase which means “always faithful.” Vine added that the term is also a greeting, saying “I understand.”
Vine was born and grew up in rural Decorah, Iowa. At the age of 19 he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He was one of five Vine brothers to serve in the U.S. military. Attaining the rank of Corporal, he served on the front lines of the Korean War for 320 days.
Vine spoke about the “we regret to inform you letters” which many families received about service personnel missing in action or killed. He offered a toast to all young Americans and to those who died, those MIA and to all the parents who received a ‘we regret to inform you’ message.
“May their sacrifice be long remembered. Semper fi.”
