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07/17/2009 08:42:34 PM · #1 |
| You know how at the end of the year they always do a big story about celebrities that have died during the past year? It's gonna be a loooooong list this year...! |
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07/17/2009 08:46:05 PM · #2 |
Originally posted by alanfreed:
You know how at the end of the year they always do a big story about celebrities that have died during the past year? It's gonna be a loooooong list this year...! |
Yes, and "Uncle Walter' should head that list.
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07/17/2009 08:47:07 PM · #3 |
| Bummer. He was a 'classic'. Also shows how old I am :/ |
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07/17/2009 09:00:37 PM · #4 |
| A sad day indeed. Walter was someone whom you felt you *knew*. He was human, and he didn't mind showing it. An outstanding individual. |
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07/17/2009 09:07:33 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by sfalice:
Originally posted by alanfreed:
You know how at the end of the year they always do a big story about celebrities that have died during the past year? It's gonna be a loooooong list this year...! |
Yes, and "Uncle Walter' should head that list. |
I deeply admired Walter Cronkite and respected his journalism. I've missed him since he stopped broadcasting. However....
This man should head the list
From an e-mail I received entitled: "Memorial Service: you're invited."
We're hearing a lot today about big splashy memorial services. I want a nationwide memorial service for Darrell "Shifty" Powers.
Shifty volunteered for the airborne in WWII and served with Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, part of the 101st Airborne Infantry. If you've seen Band of Brothers on HBO or the History Channel, you know Shifty. His character appears in all 10
episodes, and Shifty himself is interviewed in several of them.
I met Shifty in the Philadelphia airport several years ago. I didn't know who he was at the time. I just saw an elderly gentleman having trouble reading his ticket. I offered to help, assured him that he was at the right gate, and noticed the "Screaming Eagle," the symbol of the 101st Airborne, on his hat.
Making conversation, I asked him if he'd been in the 101st Airborne or if his son was ! serving. He said quietly that he had been in the 101st. I thanked him for his service, then asked him when he served, and how many jumps he made.
Quietly and humbly, he said "Well, I guess I signed up in 1941 or so, and was in until sometime in 1945 .. . . " at which point my heart skipped.
At that point, again, very humbly, he said "I made the 5 training jumps at Toccoa, and then jumped into Normandy . . . . do you know where Normandy is?" At this point my heart stopped.
I told him "yes, I know exactly where Normandy is, and I know what D-Day was." At that point he said "I also made a second jump into Holland, into Arnhem." I was standing with a genuine war hero . . . .and then I realized that it was June, just after the anniversary of D-Day..
I asked Shifty if he was on his way back from France, and he said "Yes. And it's real sad because, these days, so few of the guys are left, and those that are, lots of them can't make the trip." My heart was in my throat and I didn't know what to say.
I helped Shifty get onto the plane and then realized he was back in Coach while I was in First Class. I sent the flight attendant back to get him and said that I wanted to switch seats. When Shifty came forward, I got up out of the seat and told him I wanted him to have it, that I'd take his in coach.
He said "No, son, you enjoy that seat. Just knowing that there are still some who remember what we did and who still care is enough to make an old man very happy." His eyes were filling up as he said it. And mine are brimming up now as I write this.
Shifty died on June 17 after fighting cancer.
There was no parade.
No big event in Staples Center.
No wall to wall back to back 24x7 news coverage.
No weeping fans on television.
And that' s not right.
Let's give Shifty his own Memorial Service, online, in our own quiet way. Please forward this email to everyone you know. Especially to the
veterans.
Rest in peace, Shifty.
Chuck Yeager, MajGen
Rest in peace Walter
Dex
Message edited by author 2009-07-17 21:10:01. |
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07/17/2009 09:20:56 PM · #6 |
Seriously no offense but honestly--
I thought he was already dead.
Do don't flame me-- Its the truth..
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07/17/2009 09:33:40 PM · #7 |
Wow, I grew up listening to him. 92 years is a long life, but it's still surprising to hear he's passed. I'll remember his voice forever.
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07/17/2009 09:38:07 PM · #8 |
| Dex- Thanks for sharing that and putting things in proper perspective |
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07/17/2009 09:46:20 PM · #9 |
 neophyte - you make a good point.
It is not possible to assign a rank or number to those who are leaving us this year.
Your story of Darrell (Shifty) Powers is a compelling one and a reminder that the
brave ones of the Normandy Invasion and all the other brave ones of WWII have almost all
left us now, so that we hold only their memories.
Thank you for your story.
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07/17/2009 10:01:21 PM · #10 |
There was no parade.
No big event in Staples Center.
No wall to wall back to back 24x7 news coverage.
No weeping fans on television.
And that' s not right.
I probably should just be quiet but Come On! If Walter Was in his prime and still reporting-- he would be reporting about MJ's Death-- that's what that above quote is referring too, obliviously.
How many fans are really gonna line up for a WC tribute?? Or Fill an arena, he was a news reporter, most likely a great human being,
but its really not fair to compare his death to the recent celeb deaths.. this man was 92, hell sign me up for that age to die..
Sorry had to rant.
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07/17/2009 10:29:35 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by buzzrock:
There was no parade.
No big event in Staples Center.
No wall to wall back to back 24x7 news coverage.
No weeping fans on television.
And that' s not right.
I probably should just be quiet but Come On! If Walter Was in his prime and still reporting-- he would be reporting about MJ's Death-- that's what that above quote is referring too, obliviously.
How many fans are really gonna line up for a WC tribute?? Or Fill an arena, he was a news reporter, most likely a great human being,
but its really not fair to compare his death to the recent celeb deaths.. this man was 92, hell sign me up for that age to die..
Sorry had to rant. |
The statements you quote were for Shifty. However:
You are probably right. I just doesn't seem right. I apologize for hijacking the thread. Walter Cronkite helped us Americans get through many crisis with his objective journalism. It may just be how I want to remember him but I'd like to believe that he would've prefered to cover "Shifty's" funeral.....Thus ends my rant.
Message edited by author 2009-07-17 22:33:22. |
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07/18/2009 12:01:35 AM · #12 |
Originally posted by buzzrock:
I probably should just be quiet but Come On! If Walter Was in his prime and still reporting-- he would be reporting about MJ's Death-- that's what that above quote is referring too, obliviously.
How many fans are really gonna line up for a WC tribute?? Or Fill an arena, he was a news reporter, most likely a great human being,
but its really not fair to compare his death to the recent celeb deaths.. this man was 92, hell sign me up for that age to die..
Sorry had to rant. |
Your are correct. Amazing people like Walter, and Shifty are no where near the same league as freaks who sleep with young boys. Both men had long distingusihed lives and are remembered for their character and courage. Something that will never be said of MJ. Talent yes, creative yes, character and courage - NO. It is obvious which some people value most.
ETA: Sorry I had to rant too.
Message edited by author 2009-07-18 00:02:04.
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