Korean War Veterans gather for reunion

As part of Veterans Homecoming Week, a reunion was held on Saturday, November 8, for veterans of World War II and the Korean War. Lt. David “Mac” McAllister, USN, Ret., served as emcee for the gathering. 

Along with a spirit of camaraderie and the usual joking between members of various service branches, there was a sense of gratitude. Several Vietnam veterans were also in attendance, and many of those, including McAllister, thanked the older veterans for their example of courage and commitment. Sadly, though, no World War II veterans were able to attend; one 99-year-old whom many remembered from the 2024 reunion, registered for several of the week’s events but later experienced medical concerns making travel inadvisable. Our prayers are with him as he continues to recover, and we are cognizant of the fact that our window of time for gleaning the wisdom of these older heroes is rapidly closing.  

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Vietnam veteran Eddie Beesley opened the program with patriotic music and music selections reminiscent to the service era. Eddie and Connie Beesley were accompanied by their granddaughter, a participant in the VFW’s Poppy Princess program, who greeted each Korean War veteran with a special gift. The reunion also included giveaway drawings provided by generous donors, with each Korea veteran receiving something special.  

As McAllister made the rounds with the microphone, Korean War veterans present introduced themselves and shared a memory, with the stories ranging from thought-provoking to hair-raising to hilarious. One joked about being sent to German language school due to his family background and previous knowledge of German, and then ending up in Korea; another described his time stationed in Alaska as “worse than falling off the deck into icy water.” One told of his Cherokee and Choctaw grandmothers sending him traditional medicinal herbs, which he then used in his duty assisting the sick and wounded. Also on a serious note, another shared about receiving regular letters from his mother, written daily, as well as a Christmas tree. “They don’t give the mothers enough credit,” he stated. 

Volunteers from P.O.W. Network and the Veterans Task Force, which coordinate many of the week’s activities, are grateful for the many organizations and individuals who helped provide gifts, silent auction items and refreshments for the reunion. Devin Callahan, local entertainer in the Nashville Roadhouse Live show, shared patriotic songs; and Barbara Fairchild greeted the group and led them in singing the chorus of her iconic “Teddy Bear” song. Little Lily, friendly canine mascot of the Hugs Project, was also on hand to show off her signature stand-at-attention. 

Such reunions offer our veterans an opportunity to renew acquaintances and interact with others who remember and understand, but are also a valuable reminder of the importance of fellowship and mutual support as we all remember that freedom is not free.