PHOTO SHOOT: WW II Veterans Camping Out at Watson’s
Taken July 4, 2013, this photo is a little late getting to press, but that doesn’t matter — the gentlemen pictured are timeless. Setting up camp outside Watson’s Hardware are three World War II veterans: Tony Sacco, 87 (Navy), Kemper Goffigon, 93 (Navy), and Lawrence Nottingham, 87 (Army). Photo courtesy Chip Watson.
A proud and forgotten generation of real Americans. We three fought and gave you all the greatest nation in the world, and now it’s your turn to make it better. God Bless Northampton and God Bless America and keep it STRONG.
Three fine gentlemen!
Mr. Sacco, Mr. Goffigan, Mr. Lawrence & all Forgotten Warriors,
I would like to apologize for the masses of Americans who have taken everything available to them for granted. Yours is a true generation of heroes, as well as the generation right behind you,that has long been forgotten or at least the benefits from all those efforts lost from immediate sight. In my opinion the only ones that do appreciate and understand the sacrifice or level of commitment required are those like yourselves that have served this country in our armed forces or those supporting them. In many cases today no one believes anything has happened unless it is on facebook or youtube. The current generation doesn’t seem to understand the level of commitment required in belonging to a team or unit whose goal is much more important than that of any one of the individuals. For that gentlemen Bravo!
In closing gentlemen thank you for tireless efforts, your dedication and service to our great nation.
Although I do not know all of you and know very few vets of WWII, I realize that I would not be an American if not for you folks. I salute you, I thank you, and rest assured, you will never be forgotten. You guys are what makes things right in a world gone awry. THANK YOU to you all and all vets for fighting for our land!
This comment is directed to Mr. Matthews:
Sir, there simply must be a way to honor the service of these fine men without disparaging the service of what you refer to as the “current generation that has no understanding of commitment.” We lost more than 5,000 young and vibrant people in Iraq and Afghanistan. More than 50,000 have returned home with gunshot wounds, traumatic amputations, and brain injuries that will change their lives and their relationships forever. War is hell. This is not an original quote nor is it an original thought. The walking wounded, traumatized by IEDs [improvised explosive devices], live among us. Each of us must lend a little kindness wherever we can. There are aging people of valor and younger people of valor. All deserve our kindness and our thanks.