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Batavia High School
Class Of 1965

Veterans Day 2023

It's been 'awhile' (a LONG while!) since I last posted on our website.  Maybe that's a good thing because so many posts the past couple of years have been obituaries.  The only notice of a death I can recall now is Molly Meyer Davis's husband (again, my condolances, if there are any more details please let me know).

What I try to do every year is post something unique to Veterans Day since so many of our classmates served (and died for) our country, and we have our relative peace and safety because of those who have served in the past, and serving in the various branches of the Military today. 

A couple of times I've listed names (always missing one or more of BHS '65 veterans), or photos of a Ceremony at the Viet Nam Veterans Memorial Park in Rochester with names of deceased veterans from western New York lining the walkway - visit it sometime if you haven't already, some of your classmates are there.

But as I considered what to do this year, I am still in awe of a post by Art Torcello a few weeks ago.  Maybe you read it when originally posted, but whether you did or didn't, it's worth reading on this sacred day.  Thank you Art for this story...... may we all give thanks for those who have served our ountry.


From Art

"Richard, never really talked a lot about his time in Vietnam, other than he had been shot by a sniper. However, he had a rather grainy, 8 x 10 black and white photo he had taken at a USO show of Ann Margret with Bob Hope in the background that was one of his treasures.
A few years ago, Ann Margaret was doing a book signing at a local bookstore. Richard wanted to see if he could get her to Sign the treasured photo so he arrived at the bookstore at 12 o'clock for the 7:30 signing.
When he got there, the line went all the way around the bookstore, circled the parking lot, and disappeared behind a parking garage.
Before her appearance, bookstore employees announced that she would sign only her book and no memorabilia would be permitted.
Richard was disappointed, but wanted to show her the photo and let her know how much those shows meant to lonely GI's so far from home.
Ann Margaret came out looking as beautiful as ever and, as second in line, it was soon Richard's turn.
He presented the book for her signature and then took out the photo. When he did, there were many shouts from the employees that she would not sign it. Richard said,
“I understand. I just wanted her to see it."
She took one look at the photo, tears welled up in her eyes and she said, "This is one of my gentlemen from Vietnam and I most certainly will sign his photo. I know what these men did for their country and I always have time for 'my gentlemen.''

With that, she pulled Richard across the table and planted a big kiss on him. She then made quite a to-do about the bravery of the young men she met over the years, how much she admired them, and how much she appreciated them. There weren't too many dry eyes among those close enough to hear. She then posed for pictures and acted as if he was the only one there.

That night was a turning point for him. He walked a little straighter and, for the first time in years, was proud to have been a Vet.
“That's the first time anyone ever thanked me for my time in the Army,'' he said.
Folks...freedom does not come cheap and all of us should be grateful for all those who are serving and have served our country.
God bless the men and women who keep us free.
 
       

Amen.

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The Batavia (NY) High School

Class of 1965

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