Veterans march for unity
By From staff reports
Published in News on April 3, 2016 1:45 AM
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News-Argus/DENNIS HILL
Veterans and their families march down Center Street on Saturday morning as part of American Legion Post 215's event.
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Freddie Lee Jones
Dozens of veterans took to Center Street on Saturday morning to march in honor of the American Legion Post 215's Walk for Veterans.
Among those taking part was 90-year-old World War II veteran Freddie Lee Jones of Goldsboro.
Jones, who celebrated his birthday on Friday, said he was honored to be part of the event.
"It's great. We're walking for a good reason. We need everything we're asking for."
Jones joined the Navy the morning after the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor and served in hot spots around the world, eventually being discharged as a steward's mate first class.
"I went everywhere around the world," he recalled, including the Philippines, China and other battle theaters.
More than 20 member of his family were on hand to take part in the walk and honor their patriarch, coming from all over the country for his birthday.
Carolyn Jones, a retired Army colonel, is one of his daughters. She said she was never more proud than to see her father still able to march with the other veterans.
"It's an honor," she said. "I never thought I'd see the day. It's a wonderful thing to see him make the walk.
"I'm just so happy to see the World War II veterans finally get their due. He is an eyewitness to what war is really like."