DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN?
That was the main theme of the cordial — and tasty — breakfast enjoyed by dozens of local veterans. A solemn remembrance was offered for recently deceased veterans, as well as an acknowledgement of veterans currently on “Sick Call.”
The photo, below, identifies some of the veterans who contributed to the discussion of past military events that occurred on October 7th, the date of the recent Vets Breakfast.
Seated, L to R: Gordon Winston, USAF, displaying a “Mustang” fighter which represents the only propeller-driven airplane to shoot down 2 jet-propelled German Messerschmitts in 1944; Hank Allessio, US Army; and Jack Westcott, USN, with a photo of the USS Laffey (DD-724) that was known as The Ship That Would Not Die. She survived 6 kamikaze crashes in 1945 during the Battle of Okinawa in WW II
Standing, L to R: Art Brooks, USN, holding a photo of Rear Admiral Sakaibara signing surrender documents of Wake Island to the Allies. Sakaibara was the same official who, in 1943, ordered nearly 100 Americans massacred. Next is Bob Letendre, US Army, showing Major Charles Whittlesey receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor for leading the “Lost Battalion” in the Argonne Forest during WW I; and Bill Krans, USMC.
4 November is the next scheduled Vets Breakfast which is near the date of the USMC birthday on the 10th, and Hopkinton’s Veterans Appreciation Dinner in the evening and Veterans Day ceremonies during the day on November 11th. Your appointment calendar should be confirmed ASAP.