“The men and women arrived at the restaurant a little before 9:00 a.m., just like they do on the third Saturday of every month. They got a cup of coffee, ordered breakfast, and visited with each other for a few minutes, catching up on any news they may have since their last meeting a month earlier. “Korky” Korker calls the meeting to ordered and asked everyone to stand for the Pledge of Alliance and the invocation, as he does every month.
This month was a little different, however, and there was a feeling of anticipation and excitement in the air. Today was the day that these men had waited for for 63 years.
"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts," said U.S. Congressman Bill Posey, to the 29 WWII Navy
Armed Guard and Merchant Marines veterans that were gathered at the Marsh Landing Restaurant in Fellsmere, FL. Rep. Posey was there to personally hand each man a Congressional Certificate of Recognition for their vital service during WWII, 63 years after the war. Posey said that he was there to recognize “America's greatest generation”. “We wouldn't have freedom without you. We would not have won the war and would not be free today,” Posey said.
Every man that was at the restaurant on that Saturday in November, was given a certificate with his name on it and signed by Congressman Posey. He shook hands, presented the certificates, and thanked each man individually.
The certificate reads:
CERTIFICATE OF SPECIAL CONGRESSIONAL RECOGNITION
“This certificate is awarded to you in recognition of your loyal service during World War II with the United States Navy Armed Guard and Merchant Marine. Your courage, dedication and sacrifice contributed greatly to our nation's victory in World War II.”
“This certificate is awarded to you in recognition of your loyal service during World War II with the United States Navy Armed Guard and Merchant Marine. Your courage, dedication and sacrifice contributed greatly to our nation's victory in World War II.”
The U.S. Navy Armed Guard was a branch of the United States Navy that defended U.S. and Allied merchant ships from attacks from enemy ships, airplanes and submarines. Mainly gunners, radio operators and signal operators, these men served on merchant tankers, troop carriers and other merchant ships. The Armed Guard was disband after the end of WWII. It has become the forgotten service, but the Armed Guard was critical to the outcome of WWII.
The Merchant Marine are non-military and during WWII, aware of the potential dangers, their ships carried supplies, troops and equipment throughout the world. The merchant mariners were civilian volunteers, but as the ships were bombed or torpedoed, their casualties were equivalent to any other branch of the service during WWII. In 1988, the WWII Merchant Marines were recognized as veterans, and were given veteran status.
In his book, The Greatest Generation, Tom Brokaw wrote, “It is, I believe, the greatest generation any society has ever produced." He argued that these men and women fought not for fame and recognition, but because it was the right thing to do. When they came back they rebuilt America into a superpower.
Business of the day -
Honor Flight – The Honor Flight Network is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to honor our nation's veteran's for their service and sacrifice. The veterans are flown to Washington D.C. to visit their monuments and to reflect on their memories. Priority is given to senior veterans from WWII and those veterans that are terminally ill. If you would like more information about the Honor Flight Network, click here.
If you are a south Florida veteran and would like to submit an application for an Honor Flight originating in south Florida, please click here to download the application.
The Pointer - The U.S.N. Armed Guard World War II Veterans Association adopted The Pointer as the name of its publication. The name itself had its origin in the World War II Armed Guard. If you, or someone you know, is interested in viewing The Pointer, issues are available on this website from 2000 onward. There is no cost to receive The Pointer. It is supported solely by donations. If you are interested in donating to The Pointer, please click here.
Sick Call – Bob Bouscher
References
Wikipedia – The Greatest Generation – Tom Brokaw
U.S.N. Armed Guard World War II Veterans Association
