Posted on 12/08/2014 7:21:16 AM PST by TurboZamboni
Richard Thill survived Pearl Harbor and waited 73 years for an ovation many of his comrades would never hear. So a stubbornly long New York Jets drive and icy wind at TCF Bank Stadium could not ruin his moment.
The Vikings salute military veterans during the first television timeout of the second quarter each home game. Thill was a special honoree Sunday, Dec. 7 -- a solemn anniversary in U.S. history, one he hopes never fades from memory.
The 91-year-old St. Paul native was introduced with a video tribute that included an interview and familiar black-and-white newsreels that showed the destruction caused by the Japanese surprise attack.
With the aid of a walker, Thill stood in the east end zone, smiled broadly and waved to the crowd of 52,152, which rose to its feet and cheered in unison -- "USA! USA!"
"That was outstanding, to say the least," Thill said later.
(Excerpt) Read more at twincities.com ...
But the news refuses to show the 9-11 attacks which happened a mere 13 years ago. Why do you suppose that is?
While I appreciate that they gave him the respect he deserves, I don’t like him being characterized as a “survivor.” Our culture turns everyone into a passive victim or survivor. This man fought back and helped win a war.
I agree. I have taken to calling the “survivors” of the attack on Pearl, “defenders”. The two defenders that I have spoken to seem to prefer that title.
This was great!
(Oh, and really loved the game, too. Heh-heh-heh)
Thanks for posting.
http://www.pearlharborsurvivorsonline.org
The first meeting of what would become the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association took place on December 7, 1954 at the Del Camino Room in Gardena, California where several survivors of the attack gathered to remember their fallen comrades and dear friends. It was at this first meeting that those in attendance swore that they would make the commemoration an annual event. At the official founding dinner in 1958, the eleven survivors who were present at the 1954 meeting were proclaimed the Founding Fathers of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. Those eleven survivors were: Mark Ferris, Ed Steffa, Samuel Kronberger, Edward Kronberger, Robert Kronberger, George Haines Jr., Raymond LeBer, James C. Taneyhill, Clarence Bonn, George Schafer, and Louis P. Smith. Following the 1958 meeting, the members began searching for other military survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack. The first organized convention was held at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, California where over 300 survivors joined in commemoration of the event. Over 1,000 survivors attended the convention held at the Lafayette Hotel in Long Beach California December 7 1962. At this meeting, the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association constitution was presented and ratified by the members. Mark Ferris was the association’s first National President. The organization was incorporated under the laws of the State of California and the PHSA National Insignia was registered in Washington DC.[3]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pearl_Harbor_Survivors_Association
Met Mr.Thill years ago at the WW2 memorial dedication at the St.Paul capitol. (The gun from the Ward that shot the mini-sub is there)
Outstanding!
My Marine buddy that was at Iwo died a couple years back. He was very active right up to his 93 rd year. Awesome man!
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