SALINAS — A 101-year-old World War II veteran who survived a kamikaze attack on his ship was the guest of honor at a special Memorial Day tribute event at Salinas Valley Health.
John Edward Laughton spoke emotionally about the 1945 air attack on his ship that took the lives of 12 of his comrades.
“It’s important for us to remember all wars,” said Laughton, who was a Merchant Marine. “It’s especially important however to remember WWII because there are so few of us left to tell the stories and convey the experiences of the war. I remember all of the service members who did not make it back home. I get teary eyed about it to this day.”
Salinas Valley Health has an historic connection to World War II as fundraising to build the public district hospital was halted during the war. When the Medical Center opened in 1953, it was dedicated to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the fight for freedom.
The healthcare system has a long tradition of lining E. Romie lane in Salinas with hundreds of small flags during the Memorial Day and Veterans Day holidays to commemorate the true meaning of the occasions.
“We owe Mr. Laughton and all of our service men and women a debt of gratitude,” said Pete Delgado, Salinas Valley Health president/CEO and Army veteran. “To have him here in person is significant because the founders of our healthcare system paid tribute to those who served and lost their lives during WWII. As Salinas Valley Health celebrates its 70th anniversary of serving this community, it feels like a full circle moment of our proud history and bright future.”
During the special event on May 25, Laughton led a procession of Salinas Valley Health staff in the flag-placing ceremony and was accompanied by his granddaughter Betsy Mount, a nurse at Salinas Valley Health for 25 years.
“I’m so proud my colleagues get to meet my grandpa and know about his service,” Mount said. “This ceremony is very special to him because this is his community. He has been a patient here and has received the excellent care we provide all of our patients.”
Laughton also represented the Merchant Marines on a national stage. President Joe Biden invited him and four fellow WWII Merchant Marines to participate in Memorial Day activities, including laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider in Arlington National Cemetery.
The centenarian and Monterey County resident previously received the Congressional Gold Medal in San Francisco in May 2022.
According to the National World War II Museum, between 1939 and 1945, more than 9,500 merchant mariners lost their lives — a higher proportion than those killed in any military branch.
Despite their service and sacrifice, for decades, Merchant Marines did not have veteran status or benefits. A Congressional Act in 1988 made these unsung heroes eligible for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs. In 2020, Congress passed the Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act to recognize the Merchant Mariners for their courage and contributions during the war.
“Taking part in the national ceremonies is an historic honor,” Laughton said. “I’m glad to be alive to see the Merchant Marines get the recognition they deserve. This hospital event though really hits home. This is my community. I hope everyone who sees these flags over the next few days, pauses for a moment to appreciate everyone who served and sacrificed during the war. It’s important that we never forget. All war is difficult.”
Salinas Valley Health has launched several veteran appreciation initiatives to pay tribute to those who have served in the military; for instance, staff receive a special badge insignia denoting their veteran status.
“This visual acknowledgement honors our employees for their service and just as importantly, helps establish immediate connections with our veteran patients,” Delgado said. “All veteran patients are quickly identified with a flag magnet on the whiteboard located in the patient rooms, providing additional opportunities for positive conversations.”
Salinas Valley Health Volunteer Services is also launching a project to create handmade patriotic lap blankets for each veteran as a personal expression of gratitude for their service to the nation. Any community member interested in supporting the project can email [email protected] for more information.
