This particular blog is dedicated to the latest WW II veteran who has gone home to be with the Lord. Riley Russell is Jeni's grandfather, her mother Carol's father. He went Home Monday and will be missed so much by his family and friends.
David found out on one of his first visits to Jeni and her family that Jeni’s Grandpa Russell was a member of the 10th Armored as was his Pappaw Clyde. Grandpa passed away Monday and has not only joined our Heavenly Father and his heavenly family, but he has also joined many members of the armed forces that have fought for our freedom. Grandpa loved his Lord, his family, friends, and his country. Grandpa is one of the reasons I’m writing this particular blog. He, along with Dad, Clyde, and all the other WW II veterans sacrificed so much to ensure our freedoms – one of which allows us to write blogs. All veterans (regardless of which war they were part of) and active members have and are scarificing much for what they sincerely believe in - freedom!
Grandpa Russell at Cora's baby dedication. Notice his tie! A proud American, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather - May 24, 2009.
Grandpa at Cora's picnic.
The last couple of days I have been thinking about our WWII veterans. Bill’s father and my father both served in WWII and have already joined many of their comrades. Jeni’s grandfather – Riley Russell – joined them Monday morning. I hadn’t thought about how many WWII veterans are still living until Bill had written a comment to David – “Another World War II veteran gone. It is so sad.” It got me to thinking about how many of our WWII veterans are passing away.
I actually was curious enough to do some research via the computer. The sites I checked out could tell us exactly how many, their names, and where they lived of the remaining WWI veterans. The latest statistics I found said there were only six left: two in Australia, two in the UK, and two in the United States – all were approximately 108 years old.
However, when I tried to find an exact number for the WWII veterans the statistics were not that easy to locate. According to the latest posting by the US Department of Veteran Affairs, there are 3.5 million surviving WWII worldwide. They did not have it broken down as they did for WWI. I’m sure had I chose to do more intensive research, I would have located the statistics I was looking for to use in this posting.
Bill’s father was a member of the 10th Armored Division. Clyde was part of the “Battle of the Bulge.” December 22-26, 1944 was a very scary time for Clyde and the men he was with – they were surrounded by the Germans and had no idea if they were going to get out alive. Not only did they have to deal with the being the enemy, but they also had to deal with the elements of the weather and the lack of food supplies.
Pappaw Clyde and a little buddy! We think this was a picture of Clyde at his home place - notice the fence in the background - looks like a WV fence! :)
Pappaw Clyde and some of his Army buddies! Clyde is the one sitting in the middle.
On June 6, 2009, I thought about Dad. It wasn’t until 1999 that he told us the boat he was on was to have been one of the first ones to land on Normandy Beach June 6, 1944. For some reason, the boat he was on got out of line (some said due to mechanical problems). Dad and the 2nd Armored Division landed along Omaha Blue sector of Normandy beaches. Had Dad landed the day he was scheduled to – history for the Layne family would be a lot different than it is today! He did tell us that by the time he got ashore, the beaches had been cleaned up. This knowledge that Dad could have been one of those soldiers who landed first is one of the reasons I haven't seen the movie "Saving Private Ryan." My dad could have been one who didn't come home alive! Dad and his buddy - Cecil - entered the service at the same time, went through boot camp together, but were not together when they went overseas!
Dad (in the middle) and some of his buddies in a "fox hole."
Most of the WW II veterans did not share everything they went through during the war. It was something they only shared with their comrades. Only those men and women who were part of this war to ensure that their family and friends would be living in a country that was free knew what is was like to be part of this event in our country's history. WW II veterans were proud to do their part for their country. Sadly, we are losing these veterans every day. Grandpa is the latest one that we were privileged in knowing and who has left his earthly home. It has brought back the memories of when we both lost our fathers, and even though they didn't discuss their experiences, we knew they were proud to serve their country.
We do know that these “old soldiers” are now in a far better place. They are rejoicing with one another and our heavenly Father. I pray they know how much they are loved and will be missed. I also pray they know how much we appreciate their sacrifices to ensure the freedoms we all have today. I also hope that future generations understand what they did for them as well.
To all veterans and active members of the Armed Forces - thank you!!!!!
2 comments:
The town that Dad was in that was surrounded was Bastogne. His part of the 10th Armored had been attached to the 101st Airborne at that time. I don't think any of them thought they would get out alive. Patton was insistent on rescuing them.
Nice post I didn't know about the WWI veterans still alive. I want to get pictures of all the grandfathers in their uniforms and make a display.
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