Merced veteran shares pride on Independence Day

Independence Day, for many, means a three-day weekend, a beach day or a family outing, but for those who have served in the armed forces, the Fourth of July is a reminder of how precious freedom is.

Tony Soria, a 92-year-old World War II veteran, raises a 9-foot flag in front of his Merced home on this holiday. Displaying the red, white and blue, he said, is just one way to show his pride for his country and for the men that served beside him.

“You really cherish freedom and independence when you have fought for it,” said Soria on Thursday, donning his 72-year-old U.S. Navy uniform.

The 1941 Merced High graduate served in the U.S. Navy between 1943 and 1946. In his home he has miniature replicas of the Navy vessel he served aboard, the USS Algol (AKA-54), an attack cargo ship.

Soria served his last big operation in Okinawa. He was a radio operator and said he made the best memories of his life during his years in service.

On his uniform he wears pins with the photos of his two best friends, Merced veterans who have since died, Al Enriquez and Gerald “Bud” Sommerville.

“I shall never forget my friends and the great times we had,” Soria said. “They were great, brave men.”

On patriotic holidays, he said, the memories come rushing back. He pulls up a lawn chair, sits in front of his flag and recounts stories to anyone willing to listen.

He likes to tell the story of his transfer from the Army to the Navy. A recommendation letter from President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s office prompted the switch, he explained.

“We need hours to go over all the stories I have for you,” Soria said as he brought out photos from his wallet.

The veteran said he believes in the importance of learning the country’s history, as well as the significance behind symbols such as the American flag. Exercising one’s patriotic duties, such as voting, is also key, he said.

As a son of Mexican immigrants, Soria said, he believes Independence Day is also very special to those who arrived to the U.S. in search of the American dream.

On the Fourth of July, Soria likes to wear his uniform and share his service stories at local celebrations.

“I will always be thankful to my parents for leaving the old country,” Soria said. “I was born here, went to school here and it didn’t take me long to understand what this country is all about.”

This story was originally published July 3, 2015 at 3:45 PM with the headline "Merced veteran shares pride on Independence Day."