This is my friend Hank (and his lovely wife Carol), and he’s 102 years old. Actually, he’ll be 103 later this year. He’s doing pretty well, and to say I’m crazy about this man is an understatement.
Consider this:
-He was born in 1921 and was a kid during the roaring twenties.
-He lived through the Great Depression.
-He flew Catalina Patrol aircraft off the coast of California during World War II, looking for Japanese subs.
-He was already in his 30s during the ’50s
-He was too old to fight in Vietnam, but he wanted to
-He ran an aerospace company and lived a full life, raised a family, and was married to his first wife for over 60 years. He’s been married to his current wife for almost six years.
In my opinion, this little old, very gentle, and kind man is what men like me call an “original badass.” If I’m lucky, I’ll be half the man he is, and if I live to my eighties, I’ll consider myself lucky.
Hank is one of those military vets who, if we enjoy the society we live in and the affluence we have, it was men like that who fought the Japanese and Germans when they, for a while, went insane. Our country has a dwindling supply of men and women who fought to ensure we can complain about traffic as we drive our new cars from well-stocked stores to our comfortable homes, no matter how small or large. We have our problems, and not everyone is doing great, but the USA remains the country everyone everywhere else wishes they could live in. We forged our character in 1776, and that “can-do” spirit and love of freedom is renewed with every generation.
In a few weeks, we’ll be celebrating the Fourth of July. Some of us will have picnics, and some of us will look for a parade. If you love parades, come and enjoy a parade of boats at Hernando Beach. We’ll have food and beverage service available at the club.
Heroes Boat Parade:
Supporting: FLORIDA VETERANS FOUNDATION (100% of all proceeds)
Schedule of Events
* Heroes Dinner at the HBYC – Friday, June 30th (doors open 5:30 pm)
* Online Silent Auction – June 15 —July 5
* Heroes Boat Parade, Saturday, July 1st, 12:00 pm (dozens of boats sailing the Canals of Hernando Beach)
Where to watch: 4163 Shoal Line Blvd,
For more information about these events: Hernando Beach (352) 596-4830 https://hernandobeachyc.com/
Come and watch the parade, listen to patriotic music, and even if only for a few hours, feel proud to be an AMERICAN. If you’re lucky, you’ll have the opportunity to meet Hank and maybe hear one of his stories.
God Bless the USA!
