Cletis Overton: 'If I let it, it's a sad day because if I get to recalling things in the past, and I get emotional,' he said. 'But Memorial Day is a great day because it shows a lot of patriotism the country has and the strength and power of the military.' Mr. Overton of Malvern, Ark., is a World War II veteran who survived the Bataan Death March and more than two years in a prisoner of war camp. His freedom came at an awful price: He was one of 83 prisoners (out of 750) who escaped with their lives when an American submarine unwittingly sank a prison ship that was ferrying them to Japan. Now 88 years old, he says he would serve now if he were able and ordered to do so. He will spend his Memorial Day watching holiday activities on television, and like most days, he'll be reminded of his wartime experiences and of his buddies who have died.
Steve Brawner
