WWII, Korean War veteran honored during Glendale 4th of July celebrations

GLENDALE, Wis. (CBS 58) – A World War II and Korean War veteran was honored Wednesday in Glendale during the city’s 4th of July celebrations.

Joe Marek rode in the Glendale Parade and was recognized on stage by Mayor Bryan Kennedy. Marek was featured on CBS 58 last year. The Polish-born veteran was drafted by the German Army during WWII. In 1944, he risked his life and ran from the German forces. He surrendered to English soldiers and was able to join the Polish Army to fight for the Allied Forces. After the war, Marek came to Wisconsin to live with family. Once in the U.S., he enlisted in the U.S. Army to serve in the Korean War. After his service, Marek became a U.S. citizen.

“I’m glad that I was invited here and I thank him [the mayor] and all of Glendale for inviting me,” he said.

During Wednesday’s celebrations, Marek wore his Korean War army uniform that still fits him. Marek is 93-years-old and lives in Milwaukee.