Honoring Our Heroes: Remembering the Celebrities and Loved Ones Who Served on Memorial Day
Story by Mitchell Smith
Memorial Day is a day to remember those who have served our country in the military. Many Celebrities we know served time and saw action. NFL player Pat Tillman is one that stands out as he lost his life in 2004 while serving in Afghanistan. God Bless Mr Tillman may he always be remembered. Golden Girl Bea Arthur served time in the Marine Corps during WWII, and Betty White was a WWII volunteer putting in her time to help in any way she could. Both were amazing people and brought us years of joy on our TV. Other actors such as Clint Eastwood, Mel Brooks, and Morgan Freeman also served time and were ready to do their duty to protect the rights and freedom of all citizens. One of the most famous actor/singers was none other than the King himself, Elvis Presley. Growing up I worked in a restaurant in town.
The owner Ronald Purdy was in basic training with Elvis. He recalled Elvis as being just a normal guy. Other greats who you may have guessed put in their time in the military include Ice-T, MR. T, and Chuck Norris, but many people might not realize Bob Ross served 20 years in the Air Force. Howard Stern’s sidekick Robin Quivers served as a nurse in the military, James Earl Jones, and baseball legends Ted Williams and Jackie Robinson all put time into the military, but who can forget Lee Ermey in Full Metal Jacket.
His performance was great because he was a drill instructor in real life. Whether you are looking at modern celebrities such as Adam Driver, or long past such as Johnny Carson we honor those who were ready to defend our freedom. Several other stars served such as Drew Carry, Tom Selleck, Jimmy Hendrix, MC Hammer, Johnny Cash, and James Doohan who played Scotty in the Star Trek series and several movies, was shot 6 times on D-Day while serving the Royal Canadian artillery and lived to tell the tale. We honor all those brave men and women who have served this great country including my late Grandfather who followed George Patton from the Beaches of Normandy into Germany while serving the 5th Armored Division, and several other family and friends who joined and some ultimately giving their lives to defend our freedom. Have a great week everyone.
