The bell was wacked at 12:06 by pinch hitting Vice-President Greg Brownfield.
Brother Dave Hartman led us in prayer and yours truly led the Pledge and singing of “America the Beautiful” followed by our Rotary greeting song.
Tommy Richardson brought guest Dr. Lowell Harvey to the meeting. Lowell’s visit to our club adds a special meaning and importance to today’s program, “D-Day’s Bloody Omaha” as his father died in battle on the beach only months before Lowell was born. Lowell’s father is buried in the American Cemetery in Normandy, France. Other club visitors were July Day, North Club and Larry Petrash, Iowa Park. Walter Coppage will be having surgery next Monday.
Noros Martin grabbed the Brag Bucket collected a dollar from Larry Petrash but mercifully cut him off as Larry stated he is right at home in our club. You’re welcome here anytime Larrry. Andy Kocher stated his son, Sam an IT expert at United Regional, was helpful in restoring computer services at the hospital after the recent CrowdStrick disaster. Carla Dowlen reported her nephew was a champion at baseball camp.
Lisa Stephens-Musick announced President John’s $18,000 Rotary Foundation challenge and urged all members to participate in the “Every Rotarian, Every Year” program.
Member Spotlight feature Rod Tieken, a club member for 37 years and PHFx9. Rod has been married 46 years, has 3 daughters and 4 grandchildren. He is a professional insurance adjustor and prior door to door Bible salesman.
D-Day’s “Bloody Omaha” was the program given by Dwayne Lee, from the Arlington Sunrise Rotary Club. Omaha Beach was the most heavily defended beach in the Day campaign. At low tide, the 6-mile-long beach was 300 yards wide and laced with land mines, barbed wire and mechanical obstacles. Above the 100-foot cliffs were 75mm and 88mm guns that covered the beach below. Allied bombers tried to clear the path on the beach but missed their targets. The morning battle was horrific and bloody. German gun batteries were moved and hidden causing even higher casualty rates. 9,389 American soldiers are buried in the American Cemetery, nest to the battlefield. The cemetery is American land with US military maintenance. There are ceremonies at sunrise and sunset with taps and 21 gun salute every day. This was a very interesting and informative presentation. We should all remember young Mr. Harvey and all the other soldiers who lost their lives at Omaha Beach keeping us safe.
We recited the Four Way Test, we were out the door.