11/11/2019

My dear Friend and President, DJT,

            I just watched your remarks at the NYC parade today. Thanks for sticking to your script. I appreciated hearing about Jack Foy and the other WWII vets. Jack says that even after 75 years, he still has vivid, profoundly disturbing, memories of his experience fighting in the Battle of the Bulge where he was wounded 3 times and continued to fight. I'm sure the wounds in his spirit plague him more than his physical ones, and being recognized for his service today was a balm.

            In reflecting on veterans, I thought of my great-grandfather, Harry M. Trippe (HMT), who I have mentioned in previous letters. I have not told you about his service in WWI for which he received commendation for building a bridge over the Rhine at Honningen, near the end of the war in May, 1919.  The Germans had abandoned a bunch of equipment because the river was too tricky to cross in that area. HMT and his crew figured out how to do it and got all of the men up to speed on what they would have to do. They built the 1,440 foot-long pontoon bridge in 2 hours and 25 minutes. Building the bridge was a training effort, nonetheless folks doubted it could be done and HMT showed it was possible. A wooden shoe at his cabin in Dunbar commemorates this accomplishment. You'll have to come see it sometime.

            It's too bad that no one gave you a red poppy to wear today.  Did you know that the tradition to do so came from a poem, In Flanders Field, written by Canadian doctor, Lt. Col. John McCrae? Apparently, the poppies were the first plant to pop up in the devastated fields in Belgium where many of the WWI battles were fought. The color evoked memories of blood shed while the beauty of the flower sparked hope. The poppies and poem were used to raise $$ for vets after the war.

            I think you know that war is not the answer and I'm sure most of the vets at today's parade would echo that sentiment.

            Be well,