Mobile, A.L. Two young Marines helped continue a half-century Memorial Day tradition by raising the American flag at the home of a WWII veteran who was unable to do it himself.
Robert Pearson, Sr. 88, fought with the corps' 5th Division in the Pacific for three years in WWII and was highly decorated. For more than 50 years, on Memorial Day, he has raised the U.S. flag atop a pole on his 20-acre property off Dauphin Island Parkway, honoring the nation's war dead.
Health problems threatened to keep the flag grounded this year, but one of Pearson's seven children, Daphne Wesley of Mobile, contacted the Marines with the 3rd Reconnaissance Company and asked for their help.
On Monday, two Marines in dress blue uniforms--1st Sgt. John Halpin and Staff Sgt. Brad Stuart--surprised Pearson when they arrived at his home at about 10 a.m.
Pearson regaled them with stories from WWII, telling about some brawls he had been involved with and how the Marine Corps "loves Marines who will fight."
After talking with Pearson and looking respectfully at his albums of WWII memorabilia, the two Marines walked over to the flagpole and attached a fresh new American flag that they had brough with them. Family members helped Pearson make his way to a chair nearby.
"Attention to colors!" Halpin barked as he stood at attention.
Stuart then hoisted the flag as Pearson, still seated, saluted and dabbed at his eyes.
