In a heartfelt celebration that bridged generations of military service and cultural pride, Sacramento recently honored one of its most distinguished residents. Ken Mar, a World War II Army veteran and former prisoner of war, marked his 100th birthday surrounded by fellow veterans and members of the Gung Ho American Legion. The gathering not only commemorated a personal milestone but also underscored the enduring legacy of Asian American service members in U.S. military history.

Mar's centennial celebration was filled with warmth and reverence. Fellow veterans lit candles on a specially made cake and sang him Happy Birthday during a Thursday meeting of the Gung Ho American Legion, a post known for its strong Asian American membership. Freeman Lee, a member of the post, expressed the community’s admiration: "We're proud to have him in our post... Ken is a good representative of Chinese Americans who served for our country, especially in World War II."

Ken Mar's military journey began with a moment of cinematic irony. At 16, he was watching "Gone With the Wind" at Sacramento’s Crest Theater when the screening was halted to announce the attack on Pearl Harbor. That pivotal moment set his course. Drafted into the Army at 18, Mar joined the 2nd Infantry Division and arrived on Omaha Beach just days after D-Day, serving as a replacement for fallen soldiers. His entry into the European theater was immediate and intense, a stark initiation into the horrors and heroism of war.

Mar fought in France along the Western Front, enduring numerous close calls. One particularly vivid memory he shared involved a mortar shell landing next to his foxhole—his first narrow escape. He continued to serve through the brutal winter of 1944 during the Battle of the Bulge, where he was eventually captured by German forces. He spent three harrowing months as a prisoner of war. Recounting the violence and loss he witnessed, Mar said, "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 trauma and danger he faced, Mar returned home and built a life marked by resilience and quiet strength. Over the years, he became a source of inspiration for fellow veterans, sharing his wartime experiences and the principles that have guided his long life. His advice for longevity is simple yet profound: “keep moving,” walk two miles daily, eat vegetables, and “just don’t worry.” I found this detail striking—it’s a reminder that sometimes, the most enduring wisdom comes from those who have endured the most.

Mar attributes part of his longevity to his 74-year marriage, a partnership that ended only with his wife’s passing four years ago. His personal story is also part of a larger, often underrecognized narrative. He was one of approximately 20,000 Chinese Americans who served during World War II, a group that faced both external threats abroad and systemic discrimination at home. For his service, Mar has received several prestigious honors, including the Congressional Gold Medal, the Bronze Star, and France’s Legion of Honor.

Celebrating Ken Mar’s 100th birthday was more than a tribute to one man—it was an acknowledgment of a generation’s sacrifice and the contributions of Asian Americans in shaping U.S. history. “How often do you get a chance to celebrate a hero on his birthday? And he was truly a hero,” said Lee, capturing the sentiment felt by all in attendance.

Mar’s story resonates deeply in today’s context, where conversations about representation and recognition continue to evolve. His life reflects both the cost of war and the enduring spirit of those who serve. As he stood among peers and friends, receiving birthday wishes and heartfelt thanks, Mar embodied the quiet dignity of a true American hero.

For those in Sacramento and beyond, his legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the courage and resilience that define the best of us. And as the candles flickered on his 100th birthday cake, so too did the light of memory, honor, and gratitude for a life well lived and a service never forgotten.

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