The nine major characters in "The Morenci Marines" lived in a small mining town in the Arizona desert in 1966. This setting mirrors themes throughout small-town America during this era, and limited opportunities available in the mining town contribute significantly to the decision of the Morenci Nine to enter into service. While the Morenci Nine were away at war both to protect their country and provide for their families through economic hardship, the Phelps Dodge Mining Corporation that kept their hometown afloat sought to end the union that helped their families survive economically.
Beyond the war, small towns in America reflected the social, racial and economic environment of the Vietnam War era in both their demographic makeup and attitudes. Racial tensions ran high in Morenci, which had a significant Hispanic population. Even as the community was required to unite against the outside threat of war, it faced racial division among its members like much of the rest of the country. Small-town life in Morenci also reflected the social and economic environment of the period as hard workers struggled to make ends meet under growing pressure to de-unionize.
When the union in Morenci goes on strike, the Phelps Dodge Mining Corporation seeks government intervention to go back to work on the grounds that the strike was hurting the war effort. "The Morenci Marines" shows the sacrifices that small-town Americans like the Morenci miners made while their family members were sacrificing their time, safety and often their lives overseas.
"The Morenci Marines" does not shy away from the controversial nature of the Vietnam war. Even as the war takes a devastating toll on their families, the residents of Morenci exhibit unfailing patriotism and a dedication to serving their country. In the book, military service defines membership in the United States. The Morenci Marines and their families were willing to do whatever their country required of them, even if it meant losing their way of life or even their lives. This type of sacrifice is presented as the true meaning of patriotism.
The most revealing aspect of the patriotism shown by the families in “The Morenci Marines” is the fact that it persisted even through governmental oppression. While the livelihoods of the families in Morenci were being threatened, they remained committed and patriotic. This is a reflection of the larger political climate in America at the time, in which many Americans were conflicted about the reasons for going to war but chose to come together in support of the troops.
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