Veteran stops in Climax during walk across America
Published 5:59 pm Friday, June 5, 2015
Mac McQuown, a U.S. Marine veteran, stands with his humble setup during his stay in Parker’s Park in Climax. McQuown’s plan is to walk across the country from Daytona Beach, Florida, to California.
Mac McQuown, a veteran who served in the U.S. Marines from 1981-1988, and today a U.S. Army Reservist as an Army M60A1 Armor Tank Crewman from Flager Beach, Florida, began a quest on May 4.
Starting out from Daytona Beach, Florida, Mac said he was walking across America some 3,000 miles, traveling around 10 to 15 miles a day, with his destination being the North end of the Golden Gate Bridge in California. Why? He said to honor our brave Veterans, and talk to as many Veterans as he possibly can on the journey. Once the journey is completed, he said he plans to write a book about all the stories he has gathered. Once the book is complete, the proceeds from the sale of it will go to a nonprofit Veterans organization of which is yet to be decided.
Thursday afternoon, with his tent set up in Parker’s Park in Climax, McQuown said he had been truly blessed since beginning this journey. He took about a week’s supply of food with him, but people have been so kind with donations of food and such, including some folks in Climax. Laughing, he said he had been teased by some calling him Forest Gump.
He said he found Climax to be a wonderful place, “a small town with a big heart,” referring to the display of the flags and the Veterans Memorial in the Park. He was also impressed with the white painted movie screen on the brick wall of Miss Inez Allen’s mercantile store. After questioning what the screen was, and being given a small history lesson about Climax, he said it must be a historical marker; he then took a picture for his journal. Climax sends best wishes with, “May God continue to Bless Mac as he travels westward.” He plans to spend the weekend in Bainbridge.
Reporters note: A special thank you to Myra Seals for her assistance with this article.
Climax’s Flag Day
Council woman Elizabeth Phillips announced that June 13th is the date set for Climax’s annual Flag Day ceremonies beginning at 10:00 AM at Parker Park. All Climax community Veterans and their families or families of those who have given all are encouraged to attend as they will have special recognition.
