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WW II POW: ‘It’s a beautiful day’

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By Lauren Pack, Staff Writer Updated 7:02 AM Thursday, November 12, 2009

HAMILTON — Frank Bates was one of thousands who mark marked Veterans Day today, Nov. 11, in by attending a special ceremony.

He — like about 100 others in the Michael J. Colligan Lodge at the Butler County Veterans Memorial Park — gathered bright and early for fellowship, remembrance and prayer.

The 84-year-old Hamiltonian sent six months as a prisoner of war in Muehlberg, Germany, after he was captured at the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944. The seasoned soldier stood with sailors, Marines and airmen alike during the somber program saluting armed service members past and present.

“I am here to celebrate that I am still alive,” said Bates, who is the commander of the American Ex-Prisoners of War. “It is a beautiful day to be alive and pay tribute.”

The program hosted by the Butler County Veterans’ Service Commission included speakers and BCVSC workers, T.J. Blevins, Tony Johnson, Charles Thurman and Patricia Imfeld, all who shared their reasons for choosing the military and memories of their service.

Robert Perry, BCVSC commissioner, reminded the crowd that while people often think about those how went into combat, who were wounded or who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country, “combat does not make you a veteran. Rank does not make you a veteran.”

“Those who take a oath to protect and defend this country both foreign and domestic are all veterans,” Perry said.

The veterans had a moment of science for the soldiers killed in a mass shooting last week at Fort Hood, Texas.

“In this war on terrorism, everyone while serving are in danger,” Perry said.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2168 or lpack@coxohio.com.

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