Local radio host and Fresno Christian parent Paul Loeffler interviews Dr. Fitzalbert M. Marius during the annual Veterans Day chapel, Nov. 13.

After graduating high school and entering Lincoln University as an architecture major, Marius received a call from a friend who proposed they join an Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP). This would shorten the time to become a doctor by four years, greatly interesting Marius. He enlisted in the completely segregated army, and after a mistaken identity, was sent off to an all-black unit during World War II.

Dr. Marius endured many obstacles as an African American in the army, including being shoved in an oil barrel because of the color of his skin.  He even had the son of the Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan under his bunk before he was transferred. Despite these obstacles Marius served with the Marines in the South Pacific, Philippines, and Japan in the burial and disposal unit. Tasked with digging ditches and burying bodies, Marius received a close look into the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for America’s freedom.

Blake Burdan, ’20 reminisces on the importance of honoring those who fought for our country.

“I believe that it is extremely important to remember and respect all of the great things that our veterans have done.” Burdan said.  “They have accomplished so much and dedicated their lives for our nation. We can learn from their sacrifice and service for our country.”

The following video is the complete veteran’s day chapel:

The author can be reached via email: Wesley Hinton, Instagram and Twitter.

For more about Dr. Marius, watch Veteran’s Day 2018: Dr. Fitzalbert M. Marius.