Al Weed Leads Veterans in Bedford; Fighting For Our Rights

By: Mark
Published On: 9/20/2006 4:43:43 PM


Yesterday at the D-Day Memorial in Bedford, VA there was a news conference featuring Al Weed and a number of veterans. I was one of those veterans that attended, and I am very glad I did. Our own Kathy Gerber and Gordon Koerner (Gordie) were also there.

The Memorial itself is a beautiful place, up on a hill overlooking the surrounding area and the mountains. The picture at right is of some of the flags of nations involved that day 52 years ago when forces crashed the beaches at Normandy and started the Allied invasion of German-held territory in Europe.

Under the backdrop of the arch above, one veteran after another talked about their experiences and their families' experiences in the military and in war.

All were eloquent, and although I wasn't a speaker it was an honor to meet and talk with veterans from all of the conflicts this country has seen since WWII.


Former Sergeant Major Randolph of Charlotte County and Candidate and former Command Sergeant Major Al Weed (USAR) talk before the news conference.


Nelson County residents and veterans Gordon Koerner (Marines) and Kathy Gerber (Marines) were there to support Al.


Former Staff Sergeant John Slaughter (WWII-USA) is interviewed by a local radio station.


Mr Herman Schmidt, whose rank I did not get, stands under the arch at the fallen soldier statue.


Al talks with one of the veterans present.


These gentlemen, whose names are unknown to me, talk about their experiences with each other.


One of Al's many interviews on Tuesday at Bedford.


From my vantage point, I listen to former Specialist Wilson talk about his experiences trying to get medical care. (A seperate diary will be coming based on this courageous young man's story.)


Former Specialist and American hero James Wilson.


Al and other veterans talk with James Wilson shortly before the program starts.

I will let the pictures speak for themselves mostly. America needs our veterans, and should be treating our service personnel and veterans with the upmost respect and dignity, something Virgil Goode and the GOP have no intention of doing.

Comments



Former Staff Sargeant John Slaughter (Mark - 9/20/2006 4:45:26 PM)
was instrumental in the planning and building of this Memorial. He is of Hero status in that area, rightfully so, and should be known to more Americans.


asdf (Mark - 9/20/2006 4:48:09 PM)
Something went wrong! Go back to the Main Page and post your bug in the comments somewhere!

Thanks,
-SoapBlox

on trying to post a comment and update the diary.  M



SoapBlox has a headache (Mark - 9/20/2006 4:52:43 PM)
same problem as above.

All Photos Copyright 2006 Mark Brooks



Correct a Quote (Gordie - 9/20/2006 5:55:17 PM)
Thanks for all the pictures Mark. But my branch of service was the Marines. 1953-56.


Thanks for that Gordon (Mark - 9/20/2006 5:58:11 PM)
No offense intended....

It was real good spending time with you yesterday.



Unfortunately I am unable to edit my diary (Mark - 9/20/2006 6:00:51 PM)
So I will correct it when the system allows it.


Thanks for making this diary, Mark. (Kathy Gerber - 9/20/2006 7:22:47 PM)
I just called my brother to tell him about his friend who was there... :)