Ocean City Celebrates Hometown Hero "Doie" Barnes on 100th Birthday

By MADDY VITALE Veterans, dignitaries and other members of the community joined Friday to wish a very special 100th happy birthday to Doris "Doie" Barnes, a woman who was a trailblazer, rose to the rank of Marine sergeant and served her country with honor. Barnes stood up from her scooter to salute during the flag-raising ceremony at the Music Pier. After the program, she was honored by Ocean City for what she did and all she sacrificed to serve her country. She was born on July 30, 1921. Barnes enlisted in the Marines on April 3, 1944, in her then-hometown of Norwich, N.Y. Barnes served in the Marines until her honorable discharge on Dec. 10, 1945. Doie Barnes is celebrated by the crowd. She grew up in the Great Depression and served her country in World War II. “You made it possible. Without your service, we wouldn’t have the freedom we have,” City Councilman Keith Hartzell told Barnes during the ceremony. “You were from the Great Depression and then you went on to serve the country.” According to a biography on Barnes supplied by her family, she decided to enlist to honor some friends who entered the Army Air Corps and died early in the war in the line of duty. Fellow retired Marines Bob Marzulli and Meade Rudesill gave Barnes, of Ocean City, a “Semper Fi.” Marzulli is the commander of American Legion Post 524 in Ocean City. Police Chief Jay Prettyman, far right, and fellow officers salute. Prior to presenting Doie with a proclamation on behalf of the Marine Corps, Rudesill spoke of how he has known Barnes for 25 years. He has spent many a day on her porch and at events with her at American Legion Post 524, he noted. He joked that what has helped Barnes live such a long life is her choice in foods – and drinks. “Chocolate, usually in the way of fudge, cheese, mozzarella sticks and white Zinfandel,” Rudesill said to laughter from Barnes and the crowd. But while there was laughter, jokes and camaraderie, there was also a more serious tone highlighting the importance of Barnes’ place in history. Throughout the ceremony, Barnes smiled at the crowd and laughed with the speakers and showed appreciation for the words spoken about her sacrifices, her strength and her life as a role model to others. Mayor Jay Gillian gives Doie a ceremonial piece of the Boardwalk. Mayor Jay Gillian told Barnes that she sacrificed for her country, that she is a true role model and a reminder of all that is good. “The big man is not ready for you,” Gillian said as the two and the crowd laughed. He then gave her a ceremonial piece of the Boardwalk, an honor reserved for the special people who have touched Ocean City in some way. “Thank you for all you have done and all you do,” Gillian said. Barnes chose the Marines because the branch of service is focused on being the best, doing the best, and being part of a team, according to her biography. One reason she gave in her bio for joining the Marines was for some adventure. She worked in aviation and managed secret and confidential documents and files pertaining to aircraft weaponry, including armor plating to protect the pilot and aircraft. Barnes was married for a short time to a Marine. Her second husband, Harold A. Barnes, Jr., was in the U.S. Navy. He passed away a few years ago. Sue Barnes puts a Marine Corps pin on her mom's shirt as Cape May County Commissioner E. Marie Hayes looks on. Cape May County Commissioner E. Marie Hayes called Barnes a “trailblazer” for other women. “It’s not easy when a woman decides to go into a man’s world. But Doie Barnes did," Hayes said. She continued, "She blazed a path for the women behind her. You are one tough cookie. You are a hero to me. You have, and you are going to inspire more women to go down the path that you have gone.” In addition to a host of veterans, the ceremony was attended by friends and family members, including Barnes’ daughter, Susan, and her husband, Doc Anderson, of Ocean City. At the end of the celebration came two huge cakes. Doie sliced the first piece to the applause of the crowd. Doie Barnes cuts the first piece of her birthday cake for the monumental milestone.