The USS North Carolina (BB-55) My all-time favorite warship. As an elementary school student in North Carolina, I donated nickels and dimes to save this ship back in the early sixties.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Keeping the Spirit of 45 Alive in McHenry-- Part 7: The Roll, Doves and Taps

After opening remarks, they read off the roll of World War II veterans, my favorite part of the ceremony.  These are the real deal, the Greatest Generation.  However, it goes by way too fast to write their names down.

I did get a Kerry Harwell, a real "Rosie the Riveter" who will be 100 in November.

John Babbit served on seaplanes from 1942-1946

Robert Blake, from McHenry, was in the Navy 1944-1946 and went in two days after graduating from MvHenry High School.

"Taps" was then played for the 400,000 who died during the war and for all who have died since.

Then the white doves were released, who always fly up into the air and circle several times while trying to find their direction home to Woodstock.

The Legacy Girls then sang "God Bless America" after which about sixteen buglers play taps "round the park."  Just one bugler playing "Taps" can bring a tear to your eye, but the sound of all those bugles going at different times around you just doesn't give you much of a chance.

As usual, the fire department had a huge U.S. flag hanging from their truck ladders which were fully extended.

A Proper Salute to the Greatest Generation.  --GreGen

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