Got this on email and had to share...

In case you are tired of the ad nauseum coverage of MJ. Here is someone who is deserving.

One of the "Band of Brothers" soldiers died on June 17, 2009. We are 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 have 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 did not 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 had 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, and 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 was, 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 did not 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 would 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 still care 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.

I have watched BoB 3 or 4 times. It is probably one of the best depictions of true hero's that I have ever seen...




Rest in peace Shifty...... http://bestsmileys.com/usa_flags/6.gif

http://media.tricities.com/tricities/gfx.php?max_width=300&imgfile=images/uploads/ShiftyPowers.jpg

SEMPER FIDELIS.

Wow...not one mention on the news, SportsCenter or CNN. Go figure.

I've seen the series in it's entirety several times and most episodes many more. I recognize their names like I do those from high school. Like every American, I am forever indebted to the sacrifices of those that came before me. I also can't help but appreciate the foresight and effort of the various entities responsible for preserving these first hand accounts. Besides introducing a human element to an otherwise, matter of factly produced documentary, it serves, to a certain extent, in honoring these veterans and the historical significance of their service, albeit many years removed.

They are literally the last of their generation and probably really appreciate, maybe even enjoy, the opportunity to record their stories for posterity, especially considering how different society is today.

I join with those who remember. I was born in 1951 and I am the son of a U.S. Army Airborne veteran. My father passed away in 2006. I am filled with awe when researching and studying the events of WWII. I truly appreciate the incredible sacrifice that those like Darrell "Shifty" Powers endured. It is a gift to us that we need to know to appreciate. It is well past 60 years now and passing into obscurity...
Ask anyone under 40 what Operation Overlord was and you will surely be met with a blank stare. Give them a hint with "Omaha" or "Utah" and most will still be clueless.
Still, beyond those beaches, and on into the interior of Normandy, those who died, fought and persevered against the Nazi army have earned our respect, have provided the platform on which our nation endures.
God bless them all.


Dan

TTT. Godspeed Shifty

Here is a link to a follow up story on ABC news.

http://www.abcnews.go.com/Politics/Story?id=8100838&page=1

Wow, thanks for that follow up article. Shify was a true American hero! :thumbsup:

Now there is a true American hero. May he rest in peace. He certainly earned the right.

Thanks for the link.
But its still sad that the news coverage is more about the E-mail and who started it than it is about the passing of a true Hero and lack of coverage of his passing.

Here's a good memorial to shifty.
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=39433467

And his honors.
http://www.findagrave.com/photos/2009/198/39433467_124791365897.jpg

A touching post from that memorial.

My deapest respect and admiration goes out to the family of Darrel Shifty Powers a Great American Hero.
There was a popular military song written in about 1861 approximately 150 miles from your area of Virginia on my great great great uncle Benjamin Harrison's farm (23rd president) the name of the song is:


TAPS

My heart is heavy once again after seeing another true hero leaving us.
I can't play Taps for you,so I'll just leave the words for everyone to read.

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the hills, from the lake,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.

Go to sleep, peaceful sleep,
May the soldier or sailor,
God keep.
On the land or the deep,
Safe in sleep.

Love, good night, Must thou go,
When the day, And the night
Need thee so?
All is well. Speedeth all
To their rest.

Fades the light; And afar
Goeth day, And the stars
Shineth bright,
Fare thee well; Day has gone,
Night is on.

Thanks and praise, For our days,
'Neath the sun, Neath the stars,
'Neath the sky,
As we go, This we know,
God is nigh.

GODSPEED. Words cannot express my gratitude for the achievements and sacrifice a man of his caliber presented this nation and the world in it's hour of need. I share the same sentiment for every soldier past and present who devoted their lives for the same cause. GODSPEED and THANKYOU Mr. Powers. Jason.

That's one of those songs that I never knew had lyrics.

Godspeed Mr. Powers. I've seen BOB several times. Its officially one of those shows you end up spending 3-4 hours watching once you see its playing. I just can't seem to stop watching.

R.I.P. Shifty, you will be remembered.

SEMPER FIDELIS.

Wow...not one mention on the news, SportsCenter or CNN. Go figure.

What else is new, Wally? Many people don't give a crap any longer. :mad:

Not true John, it's just that those of us who do, don't count, it seems....