Beauregard Vernon Funeral Homes Inc

Growing up in Anacoco in the mid-20th Century, James Martin was a momma's boy. Momma Martin longed for his return until the day she died. Now, he's home, completing a hero's journey.The arrival home of Sergeant James E. Martin's remains has caused the communities of Vernon and Beauregard Parish, along with Fort Polk, to demonstrate their vast solidarity, generosity, and support. As Sgt. Martin's nephew, Ronnie Martin, put it, "it's overwhelming."James Martin was born on May 23, 1931 in Anacoco to Felton Glen and Meldredge Peace Martin. He graduated from Anacoco High School and, in 1949, enlisted in the United States Army. He died serving in the 31st Infantry in North Korea, never seen again after the Communist Chinese overran his unit's position in December 1950. It was not until 2001 that Martin's remains were finally found; however they were not positively identified until April 2016.This recovery and return has been pivotal for the family and surrounding community. ?Leamon Martin, James' cousin, was supposed to speak at the Anacoco Town Hall meeting on Monday, November 14, but was unable to attend, as he is currently in the hospital with congenital heart failure and pneumonia. In his stead, his sister, Shirley Martin Ross, spoke. She said of her brother, "his heart is broken that he cannot be here. Tonight I speak for my brother.?Ms. Ross shared memories about Leamon and James' relationship as children growing up. She said "they played together, fished together, they worked together." She explained that the boys "made their own toys. They had stick horses made out of limbs off of a tree with strips of cloth as a bridal and rope. The stick horses were real to James and Leamon [when] they played cowboys and Indians." ?Shirley said, "when James was 13, he told Leamon, who was younger, 'I can't play with you anymore. have to stop playing and work with my daddy in the field and the woods.'" ?Sister Beatrice, recalled to Shirley that she, James, and Glen (their older brother) helped their Grandpa Martin in the cotton field. She remembered that "ma... (Beauregard Daily News)