HAPPY NEW YEAR! WEST CHESTER VICTORY RALLY – 1/02/10
It’s hard to believe we’re into the fourth year of our weekly rallies. We started in September 2007, continued through ’08 and ’09, and here we are in 2010. Thanks so much to all of you for supporting our troops (and their mission) and making this all possible. After two weeks of heavy rain and snow, we finally had some dry weather and sunshine. We are resolved to continue to stand behind our troops. The minute we put them into harm’s way, anywhere in the world, we should unite as a country and be behind them. Our troops should not be used as targets and their mission of stoping those who have declared war on us and want to kill us should not be politicized. Political correctness and weak rules of engagement are handicapping them, making it easier for jihadists to attack them and putting their lives at risk. True peace will come if we let the troops do what they’re trained to do. As our troops defend and protect us against Jihadists over there, we stand behind them over here.
At the end of the rally, Quentin held the flag for us while we sang the National Anthem and prayed the Lord’s Prayer for our troops protection and success. Quentin is an amazing young man, he’s a bright patriot who has spoken at many events from here to Pittsburg. Thanks for all you do Quentin – you are a great American.
Mary Lou and Harry, their son Matt is currently serving in the Army National Guard, came home from Iraq last September.
Howard is a proud Army Vietnam Veteran. He does not want today’s troops to have their honor stolen the way the soldiers of his generation had their’s stolen. Thanks to Howard and all the Vietnam Vets who stand with us every Saturday and work hard to defend the honor and dignity of today’s military men and women.
Here’s some more Vietnam Vets. Marines Lee and Conrad (both his kids are in the military). Marine William. Army Joe (his son is in the Marines). Airforce Bud. Airforce Ron (his son is in the Marines).
Special welcome to Audry – it was her first time with us.
More Marines - Tom and Bob (his son is in the Navy) and friend Jeff.
Below is Joe, who’s Army brother Michael Crescenz was a Medal of Honor Recipient – the only Philadelphian to receive the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War. Michael was 19 years old when an ambush took out the 2 point men. Michael saved the rest of his platoon by racing towards 2 machine gun nests and singlehandedly took them out before a 3rd one, unseen by Michael, got him at the last second as he ran towards it, he was 15 feet from it when they got him. Joe Crescenz was 10 at the time and to this day he proudly carries on his big brother’s legacy and love for all our troops, past and present. Thanks Joe, you are a great friend.
Our favorite veteran, and our inspirational leader is Frank. He served in World War II in a tank command in Europe. No one is more endeared by us, and Frank is always there, every Saturday, standing behind the troops. He says, “I love ‘em so much.”
Chester County Sheriff Carolyn Welsh stopped by to say hello and stand with us. She’s from a family with a long military history and she loves our troops. She was recently elected President of the Pennsylvania Sheriffs Association. We are proud of her and always grateful for the way she and all the sheriffs protect us every day.
We are proud to show our public support for our country and our flag. See you next Saturday in West Chester, on the corner of High St and Market St, from 11AM till Noon.
Thank You Troops! Thank You Military Families!
God Bless America!
I truly like your pictures and the stories that go with them. I love the spirit of the website. I met you at the last Veterans Breakfast in Exton. I was with the men setting at the last table where you took a lot of pictures. I, and my friend, Sam Spalla, are two of the pictures your took on that day.
There is just one small bit of information you reported in your article for that event that should be corrected. You reported that one of “the vets” was a preacher who read about a deck of card. He did indeed do that, but it is my understanding from his own words that he IS NOT a vet. His father was a vet, but he is not. He is considered to be the chaplain for the group. This information will be simple enough to varify since he pastors the only church on Rt. 401 between Rts. 113 and 202. I can never remember its name, but that is where he serves. Of course, the easiest thing to do is to show up for the next breakfast and talk to him personally. He would certainly not be offended by your questions.
Again, thanks for this blog.
Comment by Blake E. Edwards — January 3, 2010 @ 9:57 pm
Thanks Blake. I had the best time at the “Veterans Breakfast” and I will be at the next one on Jan 12th bright and early. The people I met there are some of the finest people in the country and the reason why Chester County is a great place to live and raise a family. Thanks also for the information about the “chaplain”. Its taken care of already.
I’m glad you like the blog. I put a lot of time into getting the pictures up and telling the story behind them, so its nice to know that so many people appreciate them. It’s very rewarding for all of us, to be able to look at the photos and remember the day.
We look forward to seeing you at one of our rallies in West Chester. The Sheepdogs are always thrilled to meet other veterans.
We are on the corner of High St and Market St, where the historic courthouse is, every Saturday from 11AM till Noon. Take care and thanks again for stopping by.
Comment by Rich Davis — January 3, 2010 @ 10:59 pm
You’re doing a great job.It’s great to see the support of our troops as it’s certainly needed in this politically liberal area of the county.
As a a mother of a former marine and wife of a former naval officer, I salute
your efforts.
Charlene Bosken
Comment by Charlene Bosken — January 4, 2010 @ 3:21 pm