Tag Archives: World War II

Inconceivable Courage – June 6, 1944

Almighty God: Our sons and the pride of our Nation this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity. Lead them straight and … Continue reading

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Inconceivable Courage – June 6, 1944

Almighty God: Our sons and the pride of our Nation this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity. Lead them straight and … Continue reading

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Forever Faithful

Still Standing Guard:  Today was the first snowfall of the year at Arlington National Cemetery and, as always, the Sentinels of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier were standing guard. The military guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier … Continue reading

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New Year’s Eve – 1944

Whether currently or years long past, those serving our country far from home deserve eternal gratitude. The Battle of the Bulge There were many battles during WWII and the Battle of the Bulge was another served by our forces valiantly … Continue reading

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Christmas Celebrated – WWII

For our WWII troops serving far from home, the celebration of Christmas was met in various ways…poignant packages from loved ones, a traditional meal, the decoration of a tree, and carols sung across the globe.      In Memory of … Continue reading

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Pearl Harbor Heroes – 7 December 1941

From the man who led the evacuation of the USS Arizona to the fighter pilot taking to the skies in pajamas, there were servicemen and civilians who distinguished themselves on one of the darkest days in American military history.  These … Continue reading

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An Inspiration to WWII Troops

British Singer and Songwriter Vera Lynn An inspiration who brought hope, happiness, and thoughts of home, if only briefly, to those who needed it most. Early Years Vera Welch was born on 20 March 1917 in East Ham, London.  Neither … Continue reading

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When Needed Most

  A Staggering Scale At 10:00 pm on 5 June 1944, Allied troops began departing from British shores on the English Channel in launching a successful invasion of German-occupied western Europe.  Five assault groups set sail under darkness in an … Continue reading

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Inconceivable Courage – June 6, 1944

Almighty God: Our sons and the pride of our Nation this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity. Lead them straight and … Continue reading

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A Rare Original “D-Day Clicker” Found

    In a desperate bid to retrieve a missing part of history from June 6, 1944, a campaign was launched to mark the 75th Anniversary of D-Day and the veterans who served and were likely saved by it.  A … Continue reading

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A Widow’s Journey to a Husband’s Valor

July 17, 1944 Peggy and 1st Lt. Billie D. Harris (USAF) were married six weeks prior to his deployment in WWII.  Billie, a fighter pilot, would fly his last mission on July 17, 1944 over Nazi-occupied northern France.  With his … Continue reading

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Classified British Life-savers in D-Day Landings

In approaching the 75th Anniversary of D-Day, perhaps there is history, unbeknownst to many, on safeguards instilled for British and American paratroopers prior to 156,000 American, British and Canadian forces landing at Normandy, June 6, 1944 – along a 50-mile … Continue reading

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WWII Fighter Pilot, American Hero

Major M. Brooks, a P-38 and P-47 fighter pilot during WWII, flew nearly a hundred missions in support of Allied troops, including Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. Having flown 82 combat missions by the age of 23, Captain … Continue reading

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Hallowed Ground – June 6, 1944

  A farm boy from Ohio, Robert Blatnik enlisted with the Army in 1938 in determined desire to serve his country.  Assigned to the 1st Division, 26th Infantry, he worked with combat intelligence and proved skilled in drafting topographical maps … Continue reading

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A Defining Moment – 13 November 1942

The Sullivan Brothers Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December of 1941, the Sullivan brothers enlisted in the U.S. Navy, January 3, 1942, with the stipulation they serve together.  All five brothers, in accordance with their wishes, were … Continue reading

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Final Combat Mission – Aug 14, 1945

 In Memoriam Captain Jerry Yellin, American fighter pilot, flew the final combat mission of WWII in targeting a military-airfield near Tokyo on August 14, 1945.     Yellin had enlisted in the United States Army Air Force on his 18th birthday, February 2, … Continue reading

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Patriotism Endures

Van T. Barfoot Second Lieutenant, US Army   A Good Man to Remember Author Unknown Van T. Barfoot Died… Remember the guy who wouldn’t take the flagpole down on his Virginia property?  You might remember the news story several months … Continue reading

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Japan Surrenders – Sept 2, 1945

Although the surrender of Imperial Japan was announced on August 15, 1945, the hostilities of World War II ended with the formal signing aboard the USS Missouri on September 2nd. Japanese representatives present for the surrender ceremonies included Foreign Minister … Continue reading

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Remembering Pearl Harbor

December 7, 1941 Japan’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor was a defining moment for our country and  propelled the United States into World War II.   Millions of Americans prepared to  enlist and serve for the devastation and losses suffered. With twenty-one American … Continue reading

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In Memory of Valor and Sacrifice

“Never in the history of the world has a country sacrificed more for the freedom and liberty of all.”   When we mourn for such men who have died, ….we should thank God that such men were born.                                              – Gen. George … Continue reading

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Capturing Valor

Iwo Jima February 23, 1945 Five U.S. Marines and a Navy Corpsman Raised the American Flag On February 19, 1945, the United States invaded Iwo Jima as part of  its strategy to defeat Japan.  Although not originally a target, the relatively swift … Continue reading

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Raising the Flag

Iwo Jima  February 23, 1945 Five U.S. Marines and a Navy Corpsman raise the American flag in the Battle of Iwo Jima Regarded  as one of the most significant and recognizable images of WWII, three Marines depicted in the photograph would be killed … Continue reading

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In Eternal Remembrance

December 7, 1941 In Service and Sacrifice “The very soul of a nation is its heroes”

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A Nation Honors WWII Heroes

————————– In long overdue recognition, Doolittle Tokyo Raiders of WWII have been honored with  a Congressional Gold Medal.   Bestowed for their tremendous valor and sacrifice at a pivotal point in our military history, it is one of our nation’s highest awards.  Congressional Gold Medal Text ————————– Japan’s … Continue reading

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Family Veterans

Whether at present or in years long past, so many of us are families of veterans.  Their commitment and service is a legacy to succeeding generations on true values in life – honoring your country, as well as your family.  In a sacrifice repeated through time, … Continue reading

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Hometown Heroes

  ELLIS COUNTY VETERANS CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR First Lieutenant Jack Lummus,  USMC Reserve Awarded posthumously for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity, at the risk of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty….He gallantly gave his life in … Continue reading

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Modern Day Memorial

Creating a modern-day monument for Ellis County veterans was an ongoing process over many years.   Like many small towns across America, life centered on the town square and Waxahachie was no exception.   As a child in the 1960’s, one resident noticed the only … Continue reading

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History and Reenactment

Capping each year’s Ellis County Veterans Appreciation Day ceremony is a WWII battle reenactment in Waxahachie’s historical town square and nearby train station. More than 200 living-history participants from six states congregate in authentically reproduced period uniforms and  60 military vehicles  … Continue reading

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In Celebration and Gratitude

ELLIS COUNTY VETERANS APPRECIATION DAY Over a span of thirteen years, this annual event has grown and evolved to create a truly remarkable occasion.   It addresses our military conflicts from WWI to the War on Terror and includes all branches of service.    The … Continue reading

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The Price of Freedom

Like many communities across the country, Ellis County has experienced the loss of its own veterans in the War on Terror.   To honor those who have served and perished in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Middle East since 2001, a tablet … Continue reading

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