From Pearl Harbor in 1941 until V-J Day in 1945, the United States was involved in warfare in both Europe and Pacific. Those were days when communications between soldiers and families were sparse,troop conditions were tough and new technology introduced weapons including the atomic bomb. Tom Brokaw described the men and women of this time as members of the “greatest generation.” They in turn gave birth to a tsunami known as the “baby boomers.”
As the number of the greatest generation’s veterans diminishes due to age, Veteran’s Day takes on a greater significance for their children. With this in mind, a new national non-profit organization, Daughters of World War II, will be launched on Thursday, November 11, at the Hall of State at Fair Park.
Founded by Dallas’ First Lady Laura Leppert and Deborah B. Guerriero (pictured right with Laura Leppert), Daughters of World War II is “a volunteer women’s service and education organization dedicated to promoting patriotism and preseving this crucial cornerstone of America’s and the world’s history.”
Honoring 100 WW II veterans at a luncheon, the organization will present the first “Allies for Freedom” Award to James “Maggie” Megellas, the most-decorated officer in the history of the 82nd Airborne Division, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and paratrooper who was known for bravery in European battles including the Battle of the Bulge.
“The Daughters of WWII ‘Allies for Freedom’ Award is bestowed upon an outstanding Allied veteran, a shining representative of the bravery and contribution of Allied comrades worldwide,” said Laura. “Before we lose the personal memory and strength to follow our hearts to honor our beloved, we must begin now to archive for posterity the personal stories, precious letters, photographs and memorabilia of America’s WWII military heroes.”
The lunch’s starting at 2 p.m. is due to the Veteran’s Day parade that is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. in front of City Hall.
If you are the daughter, granddaughter or niece of one who served in the Allied Forces, you can join this very special group.
yvonne says
what an amazing thing.. ! Congrats to Laura Leppert and Debbie Guerriero!
Kim Rozell says
It was such a wonderful, uplifting luncheon!
Celebrating The WWII Vets!