Mark Charles Rokaski

The database page for Mark Charles Rokaski

22 Oct 2002 In Memory Of You In Flanders' fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders' fields. John McCrae From one who remembers. fidiminnie@cs.com

23 Oct 2002 The photo and following article is taken from The Philadelphia Daily News, special supplement entitled 'SIX HUNDRED AND THIRTY,' October 26, 1987. The special supplement was issued in conjunction with the dedication of the Philadelphia Viet Nam Memorial. Nicknamed "Rouge" for his red hair, the June 1966 graduate of Frankford High School fulfilled a lifelong ambition the following October by joining the Marine Corps. His father, a Marine veteran, had fought with Carlson's Raiders in the South Pacific during World War II. Young Rokaski loved outdoor sports, especially fishing in the Poconos, and was considering becoming a forest ranger after the service. The lance corporal, a rifleman, was sent to Viet Nam and assigned to Company A of the 1st battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division. Rokaski died in Quang Tri Province, Viet Nam on May 29, 1968. He was 19 and engaged to be married. Survivors included his parents and a brother. SEMPER FIDELIS, MARINE! From a native Philadelphian and Marine, Jim McIlhenney christianamacks@comcast.net

16 May 2007 Mark, you were and still are the love of my life. Your picture sits on my bedside table and I miss you each and every day. Since the day you left my life has only been half a life for my heart and ability to love died with you. As the years pass and I become older I do not fear death for I know that it is the pathway back to you. How I long to hold you close and never let you go. We met on the path of destiny, you smiled and took my hand. Little did we know for us fate held a tragic plan. Carol From his fiance', Carolee Chelius carolee_baldwin@hotmail.com

A Note from The Virtual Wall During May 1968 the 1st Bn, 3rd Marines were employed in Operation NAPOLEAN/SALINE, another of the never-ending sweeps intended to prevent North Vietnamese regulars from setting up shop in the area south of the DMZ. Between 25 and 31 May the Marines conducted sweeps north of the Cua Viet River, encountering stiff opposition on 27 May (7 US dead) and 29 May. The latter engagement, near the destroyed hamlet of Pho Con, resulted in the loss of 13 Marines: Alpha 1/3: Cpl Victor Simon, New York, NY LCpl Marvin E. Cole, Shiloh, OH LCpl Charles E. Draemer, Burlington, NC LCpl Bruce R. Hayes, Richmond Hill, NY LCpl Mark C. Rokaski, Philadelphia, PA LCpl Ronald E. Segine, Nashville, TN Charlie 1/3: LCpl Gene T. Grant, Bridgeville, DE Delta 1/3: Cpl John M. Johnson, Holland, OH LCpl Howard J. Alaimo, Katonah, NY LCpl Michael T. Latham, Fort Wayne, IN Pfc Gary A. Breck, Santa Barbara, CA Pfc Bradford J. Hippe, Jersey City, NJ Pfc Donald S. Palmore, Cincinnati, OH

The point-of-contact for this memorial is one who remembers. fidiminnie@cs.com

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 22 Oct 2002
Last updated 11/05/2007