FLAG POLE DEDICATION SUNDAY AT CAPE ROCK

In observance of the 50th anniversary of the battle of Iwo Jima, a flag pole will be dedicated Sunday at Cape Rock Park.

The ceremony begins at 1:30 p.m.

Ron Wilson, a Marine Corps veteran and member of the local American Legion, has coordinated the flag-raising project.

Several years ago the American Legion adopted Cape Rock Park. Over the years members have done clean-up work and made other improvements.

For the past year, almost every day Wilson has taken a flag pole to the park, raised a flag, then returned in the evening to take the flag down.

"I thought a park dedicated to the memory of the founding of Cape Girardeau should have a flag pole," Wilson said, "especially since it was a French Marine lieutenant who started the whole thing."

Since the 50th anniversary of Iwo Jima was approaching, Wilson decided to tie the flag pole with the observance for Sunday's event.

The flag pole will be dedicated to Sgt. Ervin J. Emrick Jr. who died on his third tour in Vietnam. The Cape Girardeau Marine was twice wounded in Vietnam before he was killed and received a Silver Star.

Wilson said Emrick was a hero and epitomized the esprit de corps of the Marine Corps.

Those attending Sunday's event may want to arrive early. Parking is limited.

Two Iwo Jima Marine veterans, Charles "Sonny" Grojean and Al Hoskin, will raise the flag and a plaque honoring Emrick will be unveiled.

Other veterans will talk about Iwo Jima and Emrick's service to his country.