"Freedom Rang" at Hopkins House,
Tuesday Afternoon

 

by: Bobby McDonald

It was an 87th birthday party for June Allain, a former WAC
during WWII, that brought out the "stars and stripes" at
Hopkins House, on Tuesday afternoon.

They were members of the "Greatest Generation" and they certainly know about the price that was paid for all the freedoms that many of us take for granted today. They are residents at Hopkins House, in Sulphur Springs. Among them were an Army Chaplain, a winner of the Congressional Medal of Honor, an Air Force Colonel, and a former WAC, not to mention those who "kept the home fires burning," through rationing, working in defense plants, and supporting the war effort on every front.

 

Hopkins House resident, John Williams, closes his eyes in remembrance of the
"war years," on Tuesday afternoon. He won the Congressional Medal of Honor.

 

It was a birthday party at Hopkins House, honoring resident, June Allain, that brought all of these individuals together, on Tuesday afternoon, and gave them an opportunity to reminisce about their memories of the price that was paid for freedom during World War II.

 

 

"We owe these folks a debt of gratitude, just to be able to come together and enjoy a time like this," affirmed Betty Allain, daughter-in-law of June, and host of the birthday party. "What better way to remember the great sacrifices that they made for our freedoms, than to sit down and just listen to the wealth of information that they share with their remembrances. It brings tears to your eyes!"

 

Former Army Chaplain, Howard Marsh, plays the "French Harp," as June Allain and Paul Herschler
remember the many sacrifices that were paid by their generation, to afford the freedoms that we
enjoy today.

 

Billie Newsom, Howard Marsh, Paul Herschler, John Williams, Mrs. Hellen Threadgill, June Allain, and others shared the experiences that they remembered from "the war years," and how they participated in what was the greatest event in the history of the United States of America. "It was a time of sacrifice. A time when everything from the home front to the front lines, was focused on winning the war and preserving our freedoms," expressed one witness. "It breaks my heart to see presidential candidates and others who won't salute the flag, when I can remember the dear prices that was paid for us all to be able to live in this free country. It's a true mockery!"

 

Mrs. Hellen Threadgill addresses the group as she shared her remembrances of "the war years" at
Tuesday's gathering in honor of freedom, at Hopkins House.

 

Residents of Hopkins House enjoyed cake, ice cream, and other treats, on Tuesday afternoon, and shared their stories of what price was paid and the eternal gratitude that everyone should have for the freedoms that we so often take for granted, because we've grown-up in a society based on the sacrifices that were once made by these individuals!

 

Betty Allain, right, serves refreshments and listens to remembrances of the sacrifices made to win
WWII and preserve the freedoms we enjoy today!

 

"Let Freedom Ring!!!"

_______