Montgomery County Honors World War II Vets (Photos & Video)

Montgomery County honored dozens of local World War II vets on Sept. 19 at the Silver Spring Civic Building.

Legendary television journalist Ted Koppel hosted the event for the veterans, who are often referred to as America’s “greatest generation.” Also speaking at the the event: Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett, Montgomery County Council President Roger Berliner, Montgomery County Councilmember Valerie Ervin, Montgomery County PEG President Merlyn Reineke as well as veterans.

Some of the veterans attending the event were in the Battle of the Bulge or the Battle for the Remagen Bridge over the Rhine River; two witnessed the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima; while others were on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. Others worked closely in planning strategy for General Dwight Eisenhower and for General George Patton. One of the honorees was giving a secret assignment: to be part of the team that developed the atomic bomb that brought a sudden end to the war. Some of the veterans were carrying helmets with bullet holes in them.

The veterans ranged in age from 86 to 105. The county paid tribute to them with music, documentary video clips, war stories and with a phrase that was repeated over and over again: “thank you.”

You can watch this report by CCM’s Susan Kenedy that was filed for County Report this Week.

Visit our PEG partner County Cable Montgomery to view more of its local programming.

View additional video clips from this extraordinary event in which broadcast journalist Ted Koppel talks about these “Extraordinary Men and Women” and “Koppel Pays Tribute to Veterans”

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