Latest news with #JackStowe
Fox News
5 days ago
- General
- Fox News
World War II veterans travel to Normandy for emotional D-Day commemoration
Some World War II veterans have landed in France to mark the 81st anniversary of D-Day on Friday. A group of about two dozen veterans who served in Europe and the Pacific traveled back to the once bloody beaches of Normandy, the Associated Press reported. The veterans, who are mostly centenarians, represent the dwindling number of those who were on the front lines defending freedom. About 66,143 of the 16.4 million Americans who served in World War II were alive as of 2024, according to statistics from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The veterans in Normandy are reportedly treated like "rock stars" in the region, being handed notes and hearing many "thank yous." Jack Stowe, a 98-year-old who served in the Navy, told AP he still receives "the sweetest letters" from kids he has met on previous trips. "The French people here, they're so good to us … they want to talk to us, they want to sit down and they want their kids around us," he said. Stowe said he lied about his age, claiming to be 15 years old, in order to join the military following Pearl Harbor in 1941. "People are not going to let it be forgotten, you know, Omaha, these beaches … These stories will go on and on and on," said Stowe. "We have the responsibility to honor these guys who gave us a chance to be alive." Jake Larson, 102, survived machine gunfire while storming Omaha beach on D-Day. "We are the lucky ones … They had no family. We are their family. We have the responsibility to honor these guys who gave us a chance to be alive," Larson told AP. Wally King, a 101-year-old who flew a P-47 Thunderbolt fighter, honored a pilot who flew the same plane alongside his granddaughter. "This will probably be the last Normandy return, when you see the condition of some of us old guys … I hope I'm wrong," King told AP. The Best Defense Foundation began organizing trips to Normandy in 2004. Last year, the nonprofit brought 50 veterans; this year, 23 were on the trip.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘Remember their names' was message at Fort Worth's annual Memorial Day service
Families and friends gathered on a dreary Memorial Day morning at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Fort Worth to remember those who died while serving the U.S. Armed Forces. United States flags were placed in every view, lining the path down cemetery roads. Attendees were robed in red, white and blue, as well as Army, Navy and Air Force attire. Weather tolerated the outdoor service as rain sprinkled minutes before 10 a.m., the start time, and stopped as all sang 'The Star Spangled Banner.' The crowd gathered around the 'Doughboy statue,' which originally unveiled before the first ever Fort Worth Memorial Day Service in 1930. The statue represents a traditional World War I American infantry soldier and a modern American infantryman. Mayor Mattie Parker, Tarrant County Judge Tim O'Hare and Capt. Beau Hufstetler, commander at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in Fort Worth, all gave remarks, reminding the audience that they live in the 'best country, state and city in the world' because of the soldiers who put their lives at stake. Jack Stowe, a 99-year-old U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, was honored for his bravery of enlisting in the military at only 15-years-old. After the Pearl Harbor Attack of 1941, Stowe felt a strong conviction to change his Texas birth certificate and fight for the country. He served at Halavo Seaplane Base in the Solomon Islands, eventually contributing to the allied victory of World War II. He was then honorably discharged at just 18-years-old. The keynote speaker was Senior Master Sgt. Mary Staffeld from the United States Air Force Reserve. Staffeld shared stories of four soldiers who died so U.S. citizens can spend time with their friends and families today. She asked the audience to take away two things. 'First, remember their names and speak of them. Second, while spending time at barbecues, picnics, whatever it is that you have planned for the rest of the day, be reminded of what Memorial Day is really all about: honoring those who have given their last full measure.' United States Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone was awarded a medal of honor for his extraordinary heroism in combat at Guadalcanal Solomon Islands in October 1942. After receiving that honor, he asked to return to combat in 1945, the last leg of World War II. 'Basilone destroyed an enemy block house and led a Marine tank under fire before taking his last breath,' said Staffeld. 'Remember John Basilone.' These heroic actions took place in the 1945 Battle of Iwo Jima. His bravery was recognized by a Navy Cross posthumously. Combat medic, Gary Johnson, was a part of a Dustoff helicopter crew during the 20-year-long Vietnam War. A Dustoff crew consisted of four members — two pilots, a medic and a crew chief — whose primary mission was to do rapid medical examinations and transport the wounded. Dustoff is an acronym for 'Dedicated Unhesitating Service to Our Fighting Forces.' These crews saved hundreds of lives during the Vietnam War, according to Texas Tech Vietnam Center. Johnson died while saving other's lives with Dustoff crew 13, during his last mission before he was scheduled to return home. Staff Sgt. Brian Burgess served in the Army's 'Screaming Eagles,' the 101st Airborne Division. He joined the Army after 9/11 to avenge the lives of those who were killed, though he did not personally know any of them. Burgess served in Afghanistan in the Operation Strong Eagle Three in Kunar Province, a part of the 'No Slack' task force. The Operation Strong mission was expected to last only three days and ended up being nine. Burgess was killed during this mission on March 29, 2000. The heroic efforts of the task force were captured by ABC News in the film, 'The Hornet's Nest.' Paul J. Stock had dreams of becoming a Navy pilot after watching Top Gun when he was 13-years-old. After high school, he enlisted into the Navy and decided after a few years he wanted to pursue pilot school. He was only 21-years-old, serving in active duty when he was involved in a vehicle accident that took his life. He had been chosen to pursue his dream of becoming a Navy pilot, though he never received the news that he was accepted into the school. Stories like these four are only a glimpse of the hundreds of thousands who died while fighting for their nation's freedom. All give some but only some give all.
