SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Ken Mar, a distinguished World War II Army veteran and former prisoner of war, celebrated his 100th birthday on Thursday with fellow veterans at the Gung Ho American Legion in Sacramento. Surrounded by comrades, many of whom are also Asian American veterans, Mar’s milestone was marked with heartfelt tributes and a birthday party organized in his honor.
Freeman Lee, a member of the Gung Ho American Legion, expressed pride in Mar’s significance to the group, stating, “We’re proud to have him in our post.” The gathering featured a special cake adorned with candles, and members sang “Happy Birthday” to the centenarian.
Reflecting on his life at this significant age, Mar remarked that he doesn’t feel any different. “I just keep moving,” he said, emphasizing his active lifestyle. Mar’s journey in the military began when he was just 16 years old. He vividly recalled the moment he learned of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, while watching the classic film “Gone With the Wind” at the Crest Theater. “Halfway through the movie, they stopped. That’s when they announced, ‘We’ve been attacked by the Japanese,'” he recalled.
Drafted into the Army at 18 as part of the 2nd Infantry Division, Mar arrived at Omaha Beach just days after D-Day as a replacement for fallen soldiers. “They put me there as a replacement because they lost a lot of men that they had to go fighting at Normandy,” he explained. Mar fought bravely on the Western Front and experienced numerous life-threatening situations, including a mortar shell landing next to his foxhole.
“My first narrow escape was quite a moment,” he reflected. He continued to serve in combat during the Battle of the Bulge but was subsequently captured by German forces, spending three harrowing months as a prisoner of war. Mar recounted a traumatic experience: “I was just sitting, like next to you, right here. I saw that bullet hit right away in his head, and his helmet just popped right up. It was an awful-looking sight.”
Despite the many dangers he faced, Mar returned home and has since dedicated himself to sharing his experiences with fellow veterans. He often dispenses advice on living a long life, which includes daily walks of two miles, a diet rich in vegetables, and the mantra, “Well, just don’t worry.”
Mar attributes a portion of his longevity to his 74-year marriage, although he lost his wife four years ago. He is among approximately 20,000 Chinese Americans who served in World War II, and his contributions have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Congressional Gold Medal, the Bronze Star, and France’s Legion of Honor.
Freeman Lee noted the significance of celebrating Mar’s life, saying, “How often do you get a chance to celebrate a hero on his birthday? And he was truly a hero.” As Mar reflects on his century-long journey, his story continues to inspire those who served alongside him and the generations that follow.