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Post by Job on Apr 22, 2007 8:32:33 GMT -6
Can anyone tell me why the new returning vets are not active in any of the veterans groups? Very few, if any show up. I've noticed in parades, at vets funerals, or just any of the other activities, the youngest seem to be our Vietnam vets. Very few gulf vets. Why? Membership in both the VFW and the American Legion has declined all over the country. When my uncles were alive, we would invariably go to the American Legion for fried chicken on our visits to town. Most of the men there looked like the men in the photos posted above. I used to tease my uncles that the country needed another war to bring in some younger members. One of my uncles, the Legion Commander at the time, pointed out the obvious: since WWII we have the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Gulf War. There are a number of theories as why post WWII vets do not join the VFW and the American Legion in the same numbers as WWII vets. Some people say that Vietnam vets have always resented the way they were treated when the came home. Still others note that people today do not join private clubs with the same relish that people did years ago. Other people believe the membership decline is attributable to the types of wars which followed what Studs Terkel called the “Good War.”. WWII was a very different kind of war than the ones we have been in since 1945. After all, we were attacked by Japan and Germany declared war against us. Unlike the wars since, everyone knew why we were at war. Unlike subsequent wars, it was not clear who would win. The war required a total mobilization which affected nearly everyone. Unlike today, sons of politicians actually went to war. Patriotism was the norm. And then there as those who persist in referring to WWII as the “big” war. Whenever someone refers to WWII as a “big” war and subsequent wars as little wars I always think of the story the Irish historian Dennis Brogan used to tell about a friendly argument he was having over dinner with another historian. Brogan was arguing that the Civil War was the worst American War; his friend was arguing that WWII was the worst American war. Brogan laughingly turned to his housekeeper to decide. She replied that the Spanish American War was the worst American War. Because only a couple of thousand men were killed in that war, he asked her to explain. “Yes, only a couple of thousand men were killed“ she said, “but one of those men was my husband.”
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Post by JessWunman on Apr 22, 2007 11:06:41 GMT -6
Job, Thanks for a very insightful reply. If I could expand on just one of your statements... "...others note that people today do not join private clubs with the same relish that people did years ago." I suspect that private clubs, (i.e. Elks, Moose, Eagles, VFW, American Legion, etc.) have been displaced, more than anything, by our preference for home entertainment. People used to gather for social interaction much more, before the development of radio and TV. Of course, we had radio and TV after WWII, but not to the current extent. Not everyone in my childhood neighborhood even owned a TV, and the viewing options were very limited, with only three networks, and a local channel, or two. Now, the TV menu is broad enough to suit every peculiar palate. It's just easier to stay home and get entertained. Like the "others" noted, veterans' social organizations have been affected by our general withdrawl from social affiliations. Too bad.
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Post by Stephanie on Apr 22, 2007 13:53:16 GMT -6
I was sitting outside today when I noticed that my son had left our tent on the patio from camping last night. It didn't surprise me to see it there, what surprised me was what was holding all of the tent pieces; it was my husband's grandfather's army bag from when he fought in World War II. It has his name, and ID number on the bag. Its rather large. Now I need to find a different home to place the tent in, that bag has far too much sentimental value to it to be used for the tent. I had no idea it was even here at our house. Its still in excellent shape. I'd like to frame it, if thats possible or put it somewhere safe. I'm just astonished that I saw it today and immediately thought of this thread and couldn't wait to share this with you all. His grandfather was a wonderful man. His passing a few years ago has left a hole in our family. I looked up his obituary to find that he served under General George Patton in the Third Army 87th Infantry Division in the Battle of the Bulge. I'll have to take a picture of the bag to show you guys.
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Post by Job on Jul 23, 2007 9:21:47 GMT -6
We went to my wife's family reunion yesterday. One of her relatives, a WWII vet, came for the first time. He was present at the famous flag raising on Iwo Jima and knew all of the guys who raised the flag. A number of young guys were standing around him at the reunion and I only heard part of what he said, and I did not want to ask him to repeat it.
He said that while the flag was being raised, there was a few seconds of utter silence followed by cheering. After that, it was back to business. My wife urged me to talk to him. All I could muster was a "thank you."
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Post by DumDave on Jul 23, 2007 13:06:56 GMT -6
My Father's name was on the WWII Memorial. I never understood why they took the names off of it. It was wrong. I've posted my WWII stories of my Mom & Pop on Job's thread about the Greatest Generation over on the other forum. -Dave
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Post by galsal on Jul 23, 2007 16:48:55 GMT -6
Years ago I asked someone in city hall about the names from the old WWII monument. This person said they were being stored in the public works bldg. I don't know how true it is. This might be something to investigate.
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MnM
Full Member
Posts: 156
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Post by MnM on Aug 3, 2007 3:12:53 GMT -6
Great thread here JOB! As you do know that my dad was a WWII ships photographer and I have contacted and spoken to Time Life Books on publishing his great photographs here. ..... especially those pictures taken of the signing of the peace treaty. Needless to say that he smuggled them out of the service when the war had officially ended and did manage to bring them home here. I was very leery though of even letting anyone know that he had done so.......... as the pictures so many of them were clearly marked on the back...................... "TOP SECRET"......lol I did although talk to my hubby's brother in law that was a career service man himself and did show him these photos and he said that this has been sooooooooooo many years ago that now it wouldn't really matter and to go thru with this then. Funny story though that he told me of my dad......... during the days of putting in the DEWLINE thru here that my dad had to take and give slide learning presentations to them with the FBI clearance that he had to have in order to do so. WELL........ he told me that yes dad did do these slide learning presentations but would keep them on their toes in the fact that every now and then he would throw in a NUDE picture.............. AHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOW is that not my dads personality though!!!!!!!!! I ABOUT DIED when I heard that one though........!!! OHHHHHHHHHHHH what a character though that he truly was.....lol......... GOD I can only hope that I do resemble "that remark".......... in fact I would be honored to do so......lol !!!! Kay .........lol
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Post by 34bears on Mar 8, 2009 16:11:15 GMT -6
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Post by bluejay201 on Mar 17, 2009 23:41:26 GMT -6
Years ago I asked someone in city hall about the names from the old WWII monument. This person said they were being stored in the public works bldg. I don't know how true it is. This might be something to investigate.
STORED...yeah, right. That is not the story I heard. They were used as roofing materials for the shelters in the city park. When our first city manager found out about it, he was a little upset. Anyway, when they got enough money, he got the city to replace the roofs. We have two of the sections at the museum. The others are supposed to be at either the Legion or VFW.
Joanie
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Post by bluejay201 on Mar 25, 2009 18:20:53 GMT -6
Again, this is from Mary Lou at the Museum. Posted the article about the other memorial under "Painter's Additon"
Joanie
WEST SIDE WAS FIRST TO LIST MEN IN SERVICE The West Side Honor Roll stands at the northwest corner of the intersection of Second and Bridge streets. It is a simple and dignified tribute to the men from the 16th district of the Streator Defense Council, who are serving in the armed forces. It was dedicated at an inspiring ceremony held August 5, 1943, with Paul Uebler acting as master of ceremonies. The Streator Citizens band played as the crowd was gathering. Colors were posted by the Leslie G. Woods Post of the American Legion and Rev. Charles Ebersole gave the invocation. Mayor Thomas Halfpenny and representatives of many civic and patriotic organizations gave brief message of praise and congratulations. When, in the short dedication ceremony, the concealing canvas was removed and the inscription “Lord Guide and Protect Them: became visible above the names of their men a solemn hush fell on the audience…..(line missing)......a few stirring words gave the dedication and asked that all loyal citizen rededicate themselves to the unfinished tasks and sacrifices to be made on the home front. Rev. Charles Ebersole, in a brief address, appealed for a united front in maintaining the ideals and principles for which their sons, their husbands, brothers and daughters were fighting. The gold star before the name of Thomas Dunn was a silent reminder of the sacrifices to be made. He was the first Streator man to be killed in action. Sixty-one other names were entered on the plaque. Honored guests were Mr. E. P. Dunn, father of Thomas, Sgt. Lyle (Ducky) Hill on furlough from active duty in the South Pacific, and Seaman Lyle Armstrong and Ensign William Kakara. Concluding the program was a concert by the band with James Patton directing. John McNeil was general chairman of the project. He was assisted by William Uebler and his committee on location and building; Stacy Merriner, program chairman and Richard Johnson, flowers and decoration chairman, and the members of their committees. Two more gold stars have been added for Robert Teas, who was a Japanese prisoner, and Joseph Edmonds. Many more names have bee added and the memorial will keep alive in the minds of Streator’s citizens the debt they owe to their fighting men.
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Post by bluejay201 on May 13, 2009 19:31:31 GMT -6
WWII memorial …from Streator Daily Times-Press Wednesday, February 23, 1944 PROPOSED HONOR ROLL FOR STREATOR MEN AND WOMEN IN UNIFORM The above picture of Streator’s Honor Roll as designed by Arthur Pickworth and being promoted as a community project by the Streator labor union organizations shows what may be expected of the finished Roll.---Constructed of white cement, it will have all the beauty and permanence of stone, and on its side will be the names of all the men in the Streator area who have gone into Uncle Sam’s war service. The letters to be used in the names are non-rustable and will endure down through the decades. Thought has been given by the committee to beauty and permanence rather than simply a roll that will temporarily record the names of the men and women in uniform, such as is seen in many communities. Cost of the proposed structure is in the neighborhood of $5,000 and a city-wide effort with the union organizations spearheading the campaign will be conducted. James E. Hill has been selected as treasurer to hand the funds. City official went on record Monday evening favoring the location in the city park and the site selected is on Hickory street halfway between Monroe and Vermillion streets, about 25 feet north of the sidewalk. This site was selected, because at this point the coal has not been removed from beneath and the heavy structure will always have a solid footing. At this point also, it will be readily accessible to all who wish to see, and with landscape gardening to enhance its beauty with civic pride. The Roll will be large enough to accommodate 3600 to 3700 names which is estimated sufficient as to date the number of men and women in uniform are estimated to number between 2600 and 2700. Some idea of the size of the structure may be obtained from the figures which show an over all length of 72 feet, a panel height of 12 feet and a base of 24 inches, the width of the base will be seven feet six inches and the over all height ill be 18 feet. I know, one of these days I will learn how to post pictures.
Joanie
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Post by hollywood on May 25, 2009 9:25:44 GMT -6
I remember seeing the names in one of the shelters in the park. Some of the names(which were metal) had fallen or been pulled off. I thought it was terrible. I remember my grandfather taking me to look at it and pointing out my dad's and my uncle's names.
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Post by Job on Jun 16, 2009 6:40:06 GMT -6
Because he never talked about his experiences, many people were surprised to read in my uncle's obit that:
"He served in the United States Army oversees in the Pacific, including the invasion of the Philippines. He received three Bronze Stars."
I taped an interview with him about two years before he died. When I came across his commendations, he simply said: "I never understood those medals. I was just doing my duty. I knew many men who did more. My brother was one of them. He died on Saipan."
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Post by DumDave on Jun 18, 2009 8:09:28 GMT -6
Sounds like he was a real good guy Job.
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Post by Job on Aug 14, 2009 14:12:03 GMT -6
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