Thoughts on 4th of July by Former Marine John Erly

Our neighbor is an electrician here on the island and his work has taken him to many, if not most, islanders’ homes and businesses. The other day I asked him who he thinks of as a quintessential veteran on Orcas Island, my aim being a fitting subject to interview over this 4th of July weekend. He said he happened to be headed out past former US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates’ house that day and would let me know if his car was there. If so, perhaps I could pop by and ask Mr. Gates a few questions. Sounded good to me. He wasn’t there, so that chat can wait for a future interview.

My neighbor then recommended that I connect with former Marine John Erly, an agent at Cherie L. Lindholm Real Estate in Eastsound. I had seen John many times over the years since my mom rented a place through that office, but I didn’t know much about his past until I mentioned that I’d be writing about him in my column to my friend Frank Loudin. Frank couldn’t say enough about his fellow serviceman and the respect he has for John and his myriad experiences in the service. He said that John is a true “officer and a gentleman.”

While many people in our country celebrate the deeper meaning of 4th of July, some see it mostly as a holiday – a time to take a break, be with family, and celebrate together – overlooking the purpose it honors. I thought I’d ask John what 4th of July means to him.

John, please tell readers how long you served and how you entered the service.

I served in the US Marine Corps for 20 years. I volunteered in 1951, in Seattle. I seem to remember being around World War II veterans and hearing them talk about Germany and Japan wanting to change the way we lived in the United States. I realized at an early age that our freedom to live as we wanted was because of the veterans I knew. Korea seemed like my time to do my part. I did not want to wait and not contribute. I went in as a Private and retired as an Officer after a field commission. After Korea, I did multiple tours in Vietnam.

What does the 4th of July mean to you, personally?

The 4th of July, or Independence Day, is a day I remember those veterans who fought to ensure that we remained independent. I personally remember those friends of mine who did not return from wars, including those that are still missing (POWs).

Will you describe what patriotism means to you?

Patriotism, to me, is being willing to support my country and the freedom that comes with being an American – being able to go to any church we want, being able to travel without getting the government’s okay, and being able to disagree in politics (until recently) and remain friends. Hopefully, our schools and parents are teaching young people how to disagree and remain friends. One of the things that sticks out in my mind was in Korea – a friend of mine was dying of wounds. He knew that he did not have much time left and he quoted the poem “In Flanders Fields.” This poem is from WWI and was published in 1915. As you know, I wear the poppy year-round and it gives me a chance to talk about the sacrifices of veterans.

What does freedom represent to you?

My hope would be that we could all live and respect each other no matter what style of life, religion, etc. It is up to parents and teachers to make sure freedom and our way of life continues.

After experiencing war and death first-hand, how have you coped with it over the years so that it hasn’t consumed you?

I have been very fortunate to have had a very busy, happy life. I think I just blank that part of my life out of my head. Occasionally something triggers a memory. I seem to be able to put it aside and enjoy the wonderful life I have been given.

Thank you immensely, John, for your brave, noble service and for sharing your thoughts with us this 4th of July weekend.

To read more about John’s life in the service, click here. It’s an article published eight years ago by Margie Doyle.