​ANNUAL GALVESTON ROTARY MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM AND LUNCHEON HELD ON MAY 26, 2021

​ANNUAL ROTARY MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM AND LUNCHEON HELD ON MAY 26, 2021
Our Club has held this Program annually for many years. It is a time when we remember and honor our war dead and recognize Club and guest veterans in attendance for their service and sacrifice. It is always held on the Wednesday before Memorial Day. The Club also keeps the legacy of Galvestonian Lt. Col. Max Clark alive. Col. Clark was a Marine in WWII who earned the coveted Navy Cross for his heroism in defense of the Philippine Islands. He was wounded twice during the battle, once on Bataan and 3 weeks later on Corregidor. He was killed in October 1944 when his "Hellship," which was not marked, was sunk by an American submarine. All but 9 of the 1800 prisoners of war aboard her perished. He was also the "Founding Father" of the Ball High School Jr. Army ROTC Unit in Galveston in the 1930s. Members of Col. Clark's Family attend the Program as well as representatives of the Jr. ROTC Unit and active duty members of the Galveston Marine Unit and Coast Guard Station Galveston. Over 110 people attended this year's Luncheon/Program in person and 8 others attended via Zoom. Over 50 Club and guest veterans were honored and received American flag lapel pins.
(Photos Courtesy of Manny Chan of Creative Photography and a member of the Island Rotary Club)
Posted by Mike Guarino, Club President