GIrene
06-27-09, 06:45 PM
Retired LT John Finn (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_William_Finn) celebrated his 100th birthday today. Mr. Finn is the last surviving recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor from the attack on Pearl Harbor. Only 4 or 5 were awarded to living recipients.
I was a part of that. Albeit a small one. My reenactment group was dressed in 1941 era Army Khakis as Hawaii Territorial Guard and went with a Jeep load of guys dressed as 1941 era Marines and went with the CHiPs to pick him up from his home. We rode back linking up with riders of the Patriot Guard and brought him to the ceremony area. I tell you what, I wish I look as great as him at 100.
A large number of people were in attendance as well as Active Duty and Veterans of all the services. It was amazing to see and Mr. Finn was tickled pink. I also by chance happened to run into Gunny Popaditch (The "Cigar Marine) and spoke with him for a bit. He's really motivating to talk to.
Sadly I never got a chance to introduce myself to Mr. Finn but helped move him indoors out of the 90+ degree heat with these other Marines and Sailors from Miramar, San Diego, Coronado, and Yuma:
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb48/gi-rene/LT%20John%20Finn-%20Centennial%20Birthday/DSC02943.jpg
More photos here. (http://s205.photobucket.com/albums/bb48/gi-rene/LT%20John%20Finn-%20Centennial%20Birthday/)
I was a part of that. Albeit a small one. My reenactment group was dressed in 1941 era Army Khakis as Hawaii Territorial Guard and went with a Jeep load of guys dressed as 1941 era Marines and went with the CHiPs to pick him up from his home. We rode back linking up with riders of the Patriot Guard and brought him to the ceremony area. I tell you what, I wish I look as great as him at 100.
A large number of people were in attendance as well as Active Duty and Veterans of all the services. It was amazing to see and Mr. Finn was tickled pink. I also by chance happened to run into Gunny Popaditch (The "Cigar Marine) and spoke with him for a bit. He's really motivating to talk to.
Sadly I never got a chance to introduce myself to Mr. Finn but helped move him indoors out of the 90+ degree heat with these other Marines and Sailors from Miramar, San Diego, Coronado, and Yuma:
http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb48/gi-rene/LT%20John%20Finn-%20Centennial%20Birthday/DSC02943.jpg
More photos here. (http://s205.photobucket.com/albums/bb48/gi-rene/LT%20John%20Finn-%20Centennial%20Birthday/)