Mr. Wonka
05-30-2010, 10:09 AM
I would like to thank my fellow veterans and their families who have served and continue to serve in our armed forces. Although this holiday is about remembering those who have died for our country, I still see it as a time to thank those that are still living as well as pay tribute to those who have died for this great nation.
As much as I respect all of our service members past and present, there is a special place in my heart for “The Greatest Generation”… the WWII veterans and their families.
This was a time when every American came together and did their part. Men lied about their age to enter service earlier than they were allowed to, children collected scrap metal and gave up their metal toys for recycling, and women… at a time when women were traditionally “home makers”, went to work to support the war effort.
About 3 times per year I do glass demonstrations for The Disabled American Veterans. The man who coordinates it is a WWII veteran who still serves his country in The American Legion to help veterans. He told me about when he was a teenager he used to read the Pittsburgh newspapers daily about Adolf Hitler, and the outrage he felt about what was going on in the world. He was only 17, but enlisted as an 18 year old to fight for freedom. A German sniper shot off part of his nose, and after he was patched up he went back into battle instead of doing home.
Every time he comes in to my shop he goes to shake my hand, and instead of a hand shake, I stand at attention and salute him. It is an honor to be in his presence… he is a true hero in my book, as well as in the pages of history.
This weekend is more than just beer, burgers, and BBQ’s. If you know somebody who is serving, or has served our country, please take the time to say “Thank You” to these brave men and women.
Thanks for listening.
Tom Doner
P.S. - I find it very sad… disgraceful would be a more appropriate word… that every year a bogus “holiday” (4/20) receives more attention than Memorial Day or Veteran’s Day. I just had to say that.
As much as I respect all of our service members past and present, there is a special place in my heart for “The Greatest Generation”… the WWII veterans and their families.
This was a time when every American came together and did their part. Men lied about their age to enter service earlier than they were allowed to, children collected scrap metal and gave up their metal toys for recycling, and women… at a time when women were traditionally “home makers”, went to work to support the war effort.
About 3 times per year I do glass demonstrations for The Disabled American Veterans. The man who coordinates it is a WWII veteran who still serves his country in The American Legion to help veterans. He told me about when he was a teenager he used to read the Pittsburgh newspapers daily about Adolf Hitler, and the outrage he felt about what was going on in the world. He was only 17, but enlisted as an 18 year old to fight for freedom. A German sniper shot off part of his nose, and after he was patched up he went back into battle instead of doing home.
Every time he comes in to my shop he goes to shake my hand, and instead of a hand shake, I stand at attention and salute him. It is an honor to be in his presence… he is a true hero in my book, as well as in the pages of history.
This weekend is more than just beer, burgers, and BBQ’s. If you know somebody who is serving, or has served our country, please take the time to say “Thank You” to these brave men and women.
Thanks for listening.
Tom Doner
P.S. - I find it very sad… disgraceful would be a more appropriate word… that every year a bogus “holiday” (4/20) receives more attention than Memorial Day or Veteran’s Day. I just had to say that.