A Sportsman's Tribute to Veterans

Next Monday, Nov. 11, is Veteran’s Day. It is one of the year’s most important days, since it honors men and women who sacrificed much so that the United States can remain free.

Several years ago I wrote a column about my dad and my uncles who had served in the military during World War II. I mentioned that Dad, my Uncle Paul Tate, and my Uncle Bill Rhodes had served in the US Navy. I noted that my Uncle Red White was a member of the US Army and that my Uncle Sheldon “Smoky” Tate had been a Marine. I also noted that my Uncle Blaine Reigh, who had been a member of the US Army Air Corps, was killed during the war. I then went on to write that Dad, Uncle Paul, and Uncle Bill had been sportsmen.

I remembered that Dad had taught himself to become a deer hunter after he had returned from the war. In addition, when my brother, Bill, and I were old enough, he spent a lot of time teaching us to become fishermen and hunters. Bill was a particularly good shot. He possessed exceptional eyesight; and he could often see game animals before they spotted him.

Dad took Anne, my sister, hunting, too. Anne once bagged two squirrels with one shot. However, after that, she pretty much left the hunting in the family to Dad, Bill, and me – and later to her husband, Bruce Houck.

I had thought about naming others who had been in the armed services during World War II; but since there were hundreds of Williamsburg men in the service, I could not name them all. All of these veterans deserve our thanks.

Men and women who were members of the armed services during the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War also have earned our gratitude. LIke the veterans of World War II, these veterans gave much of their lives to protect America.

Like many World War II veterans, many of these airmen, seamen, and soldiers became enthusiastic fishermen and hunters.

Do not think that I do not appreciate the men and women who are members of today’s armed services. With some serious hot spots in the world, they have placed themselves in positions where they could be in harm’s way at any moment. I appreciate their loyalty and their bravery.

Fellow sportsmen -- and non-sportsmen, please take some time next Monday to reflect about the sacrifices our veterans have made. We owe all of our freedoms to them.