thedrifter
11-09-07, 07:19 AM
We salute you
By AMY L. KNAPP
Amy.Knapp@IndeOnline.com
“Not as lean, not as mean, still a Marine,” were the words emblazoned across a sweatshirt worn by Bob Smittle.
While he might be a little older than when he served in the U.S. Marines, Smittle still wears his pride for his country and his service to his country proudly.
“From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli, we fight our country’s battles in the air, on land and sea,” Smittle mouthed, clapping along as the Central Catholic Marching Band played the Marines’ hymn. “First to fight for right and freedom and to keep our honor clean, we are proud to claim the title of United States Marines.”
Smittle, former manager of Navarre Village (a 55-and-older community), and fellow Marine Joe Drotovick, a former Central Catholic High teacher, were the brainchildren behind Thursday’s celebration in Navarre.
Last year, the pair approached Central Catholic principal Rev. Robert Kaylor about bringing the band down to celebrate Veterans Day.
Navarre Village has about 100 veterans living in the community as well as several widows of veterans, manager Adam Bernard said.
The students’ participation meant “everything” to Smittle and the other veterans gathered Thursday.
“Most of the people in America ... are patriotic,” said Smittle, a Korean War vet. “They look up to servicemen.”
Drotovick, a World War II veteran, said many see the USMC hat he often wears and approach him to express their appreciation for his service.
“We tell them to appreciate the vets of today,” he said. “Today, there are a lot of soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq, and all are volunteers.”
“Us old guys, World War II veterans, are getting to be kind of scarce... it means quite a bit to see the young people come out for us,” Army vet Hank Fox said.
Fox believes there has been a resurgence of patriotism throughout the country with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“It’s not a good way to get patriotism,” he said. “Something has to be settled there before more soldiers lose their lives.”
Cara Ganser, of Louisville, brought her 4-year-old son, Bobby, and 2-year-old son, Zachary, to celebrate the day with their grandfather, Don Coveleski.
“It’s a good program to explain to the them the importance of being patriotic and learning about their grandfather’s service,” Ganser said.
The events of the day left Marine Dick Smith speechless.
“He couldn’t be prouder,” his wife of 44 years, Winnie, said as Smith tried to find the words to describe the event.
“We’ve got the greatest country in the world,” said Smith, his voice shaking as he fought back tears.
His mood quickly turned brighter as he showed off a blanket he and his wife snuggled beneath.
“My daughter sent this from Virginia,” the Korean War vet said of the blanket, which was embroidered with the Marines’ seal. “It lists all of the battles ... Hiroshima.”
Carrying on the tradition of service in his family is a granddaughter who recently joined the Navy.
Smith said he was proud of her and was OK with her decision to join the Navy instead of becoming a Marine.
Ellie
By AMY L. KNAPP
Amy.Knapp@IndeOnline.com
“Not as lean, not as mean, still a Marine,” were the words emblazoned across a sweatshirt worn by Bob Smittle.
While he might be a little older than when he served in the U.S. Marines, Smittle still wears his pride for his country and his service to his country proudly.
“From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli, we fight our country’s battles in the air, on land and sea,” Smittle mouthed, clapping along as the Central Catholic Marching Band played the Marines’ hymn. “First to fight for right and freedom and to keep our honor clean, we are proud to claim the title of United States Marines.”
Smittle, former manager of Navarre Village (a 55-and-older community), and fellow Marine Joe Drotovick, a former Central Catholic High teacher, were the brainchildren behind Thursday’s celebration in Navarre.
Last year, the pair approached Central Catholic principal Rev. Robert Kaylor about bringing the band down to celebrate Veterans Day.
Navarre Village has about 100 veterans living in the community as well as several widows of veterans, manager Adam Bernard said.
The students’ participation meant “everything” to Smittle and the other veterans gathered Thursday.
“Most of the people in America ... are patriotic,” said Smittle, a Korean War vet. “They look up to servicemen.”
Drotovick, a World War II veteran, said many see the USMC hat he often wears and approach him to express their appreciation for his service.
“We tell them to appreciate the vets of today,” he said. “Today, there are a lot of soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq, and all are volunteers.”
“Us old guys, World War II veterans, are getting to be kind of scarce... it means quite a bit to see the young people come out for us,” Army vet Hank Fox said.
Fox believes there has been a resurgence of patriotism throughout the country with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“It’s not a good way to get patriotism,” he said. “Something has to be settled there before more soldiers lose their lives.”
Cara Ganser, of Louisville, brought her 4-year-old son, Bobby, and 2-year-old son, Zachary, to celebrate the day with their grandfather, Don Coveleski.
“It’s a good program to explain to the them the importance of being patriotic and learning about their grandfather’s service,” Ganser said.
The events of the day left Marine Dick Smith speechless.
“He couldn’t be prouder,” his wife of 44 years, Winnie, said as Smith tried to find the words to describe the event.
“We’ve got the greatest country in the world,” said Smith, his voice shaking as he fought back tears.
His mood quickly turned brighter as he showed off a blanket he and his wife snuggled beneath.
“My daughter sent this from Virginia,” the Korean War vet said of the blanket, which was embroidered with the Marines’ seal. “It lists all of the battles ... Hiroshima.”
Carrying on the tradition of service in his family is a granddaughter who recently joined the Navy.
Smith said he was proud of her and was OK with her decision to join the Navy instead of becoming a Marine.
Ellie