MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Most Marines in the Corps today wearing the rank of private first class hadn't yet been born on March 3, 1945, but a stitch of freedom had been woven into every Marine's baby blanket by an orphan who died on that day and would have been forgotten, if not for the efforts of his Marine Corps family.

Pfc. Ilario Garcia was born in Ramona, Calif., Jan. 14, 1926. While he was an orphan, he did secure some ties with high school buddies and tutors from his hometown, and some residents from Ramona still remember him

Johnny Dobson, a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3783, based in Ramona, spearheaded a search for the remains of Garcia. Garcia was killed on Iwo Jima while fighting with the 5th Marine Division on March 3, 1945, just shortly after his 19th birthday.

At that time, Garcia's body was laid to rest in the 5th Marine Division Cemetery on Iwo Jima. However, years after the end of World War II, the troops buried abroad were disinterred, and the final resting places of most of the troops was decided by family members. This is where Dobson comes in to the picture.

The men and women of VFW Post 3783, especially Dobson, have dedicated much time and effort into locating the remains of fallen war heroes hailing from Ramona. Dobson had exhausted almost all his resources, when he decided to call Chuck Little, deputy director, Marine Corps Forces Pacific Public Affairs. Little in turn called the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command and spoke with Aaron Lehl, a historian at JPAC. Lehl explained that JPAC doesn't usually become involved with closed cases.

However, Little said, "Lehl, being a former Marine, felt strongly about helping this VFW Post, so he did a quick search of JPAC's database."

The JPAC records indicated the remains were transported to California, but no specific location was indicated. Lehl then requested Garcia's Individual Deceased Personnel File.

Little contacted Dobson to inform him it might take a month to locate the records concerning the specific whereabouts of Garcia's remains. Dobson said to Little, "Chuck, we've been trying to find Garcia for years - a few more weeks is nothing to us."

Their efforts were rewarded with a confirmation from Lehl that Garcia had been disinterred in 1949 and reburied in the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in San Diego. With the anniversary of the death of Garcia nearing, some members planned to pay respects to their fallen comrade from Ramona.

Retired Col. Matthew Blackledge, former commanding officer of Marine Wing Support Group 37 and representative of VFW 3783 in attendance at the grave of Garcia March 3, explained the reason why it is so important to bring fallen heroes home and why they were their there to pay their respects.

Blackledge said it is important "Whether that warrior was a Marine, soldier, Sailor or airman. The response is very simple but important. Those of us who survive combat have a moral obligation to our friends and fellow warriors that made the ultimate sacrifice to make sure they are never forgotten. This is our payment of the debt we owe them for preserving the freedom of this nation and the world.

"By doing this, we demonstrate to those that now wear the uniform of the military services of our great country that their sacrifices will be remembered," he added. "They need to believe and understand this in order to make the tough split-second choices on the battlefield to ensure victory. We must pass this spirit of patriotism from generation to generation.

"This understanding is crucial to ensuring that the United States of America, this fledging bastion of just over 225 years of freedom on the world stage 10,000 years of recorded history, survives. Without the United States of America, freedom as we know it now, will crumble," he said.

A gravesite isn't the only token left behind to serve as a reminder of Garcia's sacrifice. A letter reached the Gallagher family, a family that took Garcia in before he left to fight the war as a Marine, shortly after they had been notified of his death.

The letter reads, "Dear Mrs. Gallagher: We just got back from the front lines on the invaded island of Iwo Jima which we invaded along with the 3rd and 4th Marine Div. on Feb. 19. I was never so scared as I was on the front lines seeing all my buddies get shot. The Japs aren't so dumb in their military tactics. The Marine Corps is only 750 mi. away from Tokyo.

"The Japs are giving us hell and we're giving it right back at them. There's still a tough hill to climb so I'd better get some rest while I can so until I see you and Ed again, so long for the present. Gratefully yours. (Ilario.)"

Remembering and paying respect to those who have sacrificed for the freedoms we almost enjoy, to most, is a small task. Some read a history book or rent a documentary. However, others undertake this sometimes daunting mission with an enthusiasm and tenacity venerable of the most proven war heroes. It is their work that keeps the legacy of an orphan alive and the importance of history in the hearts of the youth.

For more information on America's traditions, freedoms and history, contact VFV Post 3783 at (760) 789-7888 or 0831.