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Legendary WWII Marine Raider and Guam liberator Frank S. Wright helped celebrate the United States Marine Corps' 250th anniversary at a recent Northern California gathering that was also attended by California Superior Court Judge Johnny Cepeda Gogo and his family, including his mother, Remedios, a WWII survivor.
Frank, a Lodi resident, is a member of the Stockton Marine Corps Club, which sponsored the Nov. 16 celebration at the Hilton Stockton.
From left: Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Johnny Cepeda Gogo; WWII Marine Raider Frank S. Wright; Johnny’s mother, Remedios Dydasco Cepeda Gogo; and Johnny’s sister Jessica Cross at the Stockton Marine Corp’s celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps in Stockton, California, on Nov. 16 at the Hilton Stockton.
(photos courtesy of Johnny Cepeda Gogo)
"Frank Wright is one of the very few living Guam Liberators, so it is an absolute honor to celebrate his 100th year and the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps," the Santa Clara County Superior Court judge said. "Having my mom represent the CHamoru WWII survivors and celebrate with Frank is even more special and significant because of their connection on July 21, 1944."
He first met Frank in 2020 during the pandemic, when he had the Purple Heart recipient sign his first Guam flag that was eventually signed by more than 100 CHamoru WWII survivors and liberators. “And, when I learned he wanted to return to Guam for his 99th birthday (last year), I immediately connected him with the Guam Visitors Bureau, and GVB helped Frank return for Guam’s 80th Liberation.”
A Birthday Wish for 100,000 Cards
Beyond the anniversary, the celebration brought renewed attention to a wish Frank made when he turned 100 this year: to receive 100,000 birthday cards, letters or notes.
Although Frank’s birthday was on July 5, Johnny has continued to collect cards for him. "I just delivered 3,000 birthday cards to Frank (on Nov. 16)," the judge said, noting that Frank has received about 28,000 to date. "That is awesome, but we still need a lot more to meet his birthday wish."
Guam WWII liberator Frank S. Wright signs Judge Johnny Cepeda’s Gogo first Guam flag in 2020.
Guam WWII liberator Frank S. Wright, which Judge Johnny Cepeda Gogo, shows his Marine Raiders patch.
As the holiday season begins, the community at large is being asked to help Frank reach his goal.
"Now that we are in the season of giving, we would love folks to send bday/Happy Veterans Day/Happy Thanksgiving/Happy Holidays," Johnny said. He emphasized that cards coming from Guam hold extra significance for the veteran "because of his love for the island and people of Guam.”
Where to send a note or card:
Frank S. Wright
Stockton Marine Corps Club
PO Box 691045
Stockton, CA 95629-1045
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