A Day to Remember: WWII Veterans Gather to Leave Their Mark
On Saturday, I had the incredible honor of representing the 80th Infantry Division Veterans Association and the Battle of the Bulge Association at The Highlands in Wyomissing, where 35 local WWII veterans gathered to share their stories and leave their mark on history. It was a privilege not only to stand among these heroes but also to help drive them to the event, ensuring they could take part in this unforgettable moment.
This gathering was made possible by veteran and author Andy Biggio, whose books, The Rifle and The Rifle 2, preserve the voices of WWII veterans. Since 2017, he has traveled with a historic M1 Garand rifle, collecting signatures from the men who once carried such weapons into battle. With Saturday’s event, the number of autographs has now surpassed 500—a testament to the living history we must cherish.
Now, Biggio plans to send this remarkable rifle to the Smithsonian, where it will stand as a tribute to the Greatest Generation. It was an unforgettable day, and I am deeply grateful to have been part of it.
