World War II Vets gather, remember
By ED LEWIS
For The Vista
Twenty-eight World War II Veterans and 20 spouses recently gathered at Ryan’s Restaurant in Crossville. The luncheon was organized by WW II Veteran Bill Oehlecker of Tansi, and all who attended enjoyed the fellowship of fellow soldiers, sailors and marines who fought in a war that ended almost 66 years ago.
Guest speakers were County Veterans Service Officer and former U.S. Marine Mark Daniels and Ed Lewis, President of the local chapter of the Military Officers Association of America.
Both commended and thanked the Veterans for their service and bravery during one of history’s longest and deadliest wars. The youngest Veteran attending is 85 years old. Daniels also presented information regarding benefits available to all
Veterans and their spouses, and answered questions regarding various services and facilities available to Veterans residing in Tennessee.
Attendees enjoyed great cameraderie with their fellow senior citizens, and recalled many of their wartime experiences from both the European and Pacific theaters. These included D-Day, Iwo Jima, and many other significant events of that war.
Tribute was paid to the thousands of men and women who made the supreme sacrifice during World War II and other wars in which the United States has been involved.
The room where the luncheon was held limited seating to 50, and many were unable to attend.
A second gathering is planned in the near future, and those Veterans will be contacted when the date and location of the luncheon are determined.