SOUTH BELOIT, Ill. (WIFR) – 80 years since the end of World War II, 30 veterans from around the stateline receive a heroes welcome at American Family Field, the home of the Milwaukee Brewers.
80 years after the end of World War II, 30 Rockford area veterans are honored at American Family Field.(WIFR)
It was September 2nd, 1945 when the surrender of Japanese armed forces signified the end of World War 2. Today, less than .5% of the brave Americans who fought, and won, this war remain.
It’s the sacrifice made by 16 million men and women that lead Mark Finnegan with Vetsroll to join ranks with the Milwaukee Brewers and give back to dozens of stateline veterans with an on-the-field moment of recognition.
“You do what you do today and I do what I do today is solely because of what that World War 2 generation accomplished,” shared Finnegan.
Early Thursday morning, 11 buses filled with with dozens of veterans and their families began the trip to American Family Field.
“Our main guests of honor are our 30 World War 2 Veterans and Rosie the Riveters,” Finnegan said. “They’ll introduce all 30 of them on the field.”
Veteran Burly Brellenthin threw the first pitch.(WIFR)
Decades ago, Burly Brellenthin spent more than 300 hours in a B-29 as a Navigator in World War 2 and the Korean War. Thursday, the 100-year-old threw the first pitch.
“Well, I am absolutely amazed at the amount of people here and participation,” Brellenthin said. ”I had no idea it was more than VetsRoll, it’s great.”
Brellenthin tells WIFR his first trip with VetsRoll had a bump or two in the road and call it, “a waste of time at Shanksville.” But the trip to the mound today, he says, makes the long ride worth it. That is, if he can fulfill his after-the-game plans, getting back home.
The youngest of Rockford area World War 2 veterans and Rosie-the-Riveters are 97 years old, according to Finnigan. He adds, if they didn’t make this trip now, they likely never would.
Veterans appear on the jumbotron at American Family Field.(WIFR)
“I always tell people thank God they were there when they were there because they preserved freedom for the entire world,” said Finnegan. “We have our issues today but it wouldn’t be what it is without what they did. We just love it.”
The annual VetsRoll trip to Washington D.C. takes place every May, preceding Memorial Day Weekend.
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