Washington Reunion June 28-July 2 . Banquet Sunday July 1. Depart Monday July 2
Mail Call Ben517@aol.com
Mail Call Archives www.517prct.org/archives
Roster www.517prct.org/roster.pdf
On this Memorial Day, I want to thank my favorite veterans for their service. You are indeed the Greatest Generation, and it is our privilege to know you all.
We look forward to seeing everyone in our nation's capital a month from today. What better place for our national reunion?
Enjoy the day as we all give thanks for our freedom.
Claire Johnson Giblin
daughter Allan Johnson, 596
Mary Jane Hanron ( newspaper correspondent )
Dear Ben,
Happy Memorial Day! Below please find a letter I sent to Irma this morning (I did tell her I was going to share it with you for Mail Call if you wished to use it.) Though I know none of it is really new, none of it can be said often enough, either. I know you have new readers all the time. I thought possibly this would be a nice time to feature Irma’s story again. (Or even the story about you and the 517th I put together.) Of course, this is all up to you…I would never pretend to tell you I had a clue how to run your site; you do such a beautiful job…BUT, this is not a time for you to be humble!!! (Although I know that is your nature!) It was said to me recently that some one who survives is meant to come home and tell the story so it will live on.
You must be SO excited about the DC trip!!
Take care and as always….THANK YOU!
MJ
A Letter sent to our friends in Europe who care for monuments that honor fallen US Soldiers:
Dear Irma and Friends,
I could not let this Memorial Day pass without saying “Hello” to my newfound friends in
Belgium!! On behalf of those like me, who enjoy a life of freedom I extend my gratitude to our glorious American armed forces for their courage and service.I thank YOU for the continued dedication you give to the monuments to the US troops who did not make it home to this country and instead, died in Europe. It not only shows your love and appreciation, but means such a great deal to the veterans in the
USA.They may not all be able to express it, but I'm quite sure that they would tell you that in addition to honoring the values of our country, they were pleased to be preserving freedom for the good people of Europe like you and are thrilled that you do so much to remember their valor.
I really have no authority to say this other than as an American, the daughter of a Navy Nurse (WWII) and friend and admirer of those who did so much to see that this beautiful country would be preserved for my generation and those that follow. Of course, among those friends, I count my new acquaintance, Ben Barrett who does so much to keep this vital account alive.
It is morning here and ceremonies in local towns begin later today. It is partly cloudy here, but with a cool ocean breeze which will be a blessing, especially for any older or infirm folks (or people like me who just plain mind the heat!!) who may attend the various events in the area.
The flag flies outside my home and the pansies are lifting their little faces to the heavens. I feel surrounded by such peace. I realize everyone on earth is not as fortunate. I hope very soon, they will be.
I trust all is well with you and yours.
Happy Memorial Day.
Let there be Peace on Earth.
Love,
Mary Jane
Daniel Curtis, Audrey Curtis
To All the members of the
517th and their families. Thank you for your service to our Great Country. This
is truly a day to reflect on the huge sacrifice so many made and are still
making for FREEDOM!
Sincerely Daniel Curtis, Audrey Curtis and Family of Pfc.
Danny Ogniewski, Co D KIA France 1944
Ronald Stassen (Netherlands friend )
Friends.
Chester Wells
I'm working on the
submission of my father's association with the 517th. (Step-father,
actually.) While going through many photo's sent to me by my sister, I
found this one. As I am writing this on Memorial Day,
