4 April, 2022
Hopkinton veterans enjoyed another military mess at the Senior Center on Friday, 1 April 2022. It was the anniversary date of the beach assault on Okinawa in 1945. This sparked lively discussions about past military activities that happened in April.
American forces participating in The Battle of Okinawa included two-dozen military men and boys who were born, or settled, in Hopkinton. It was the last Big Battle of WW II. Other April events that were remembered are: the kamikaze bombing of the USS Kidd (DD-661) in 1945, that fortunately did not count Hopkinton sailor Charlie Hill among the 38 KIA or 55 WIA; the Bay of Pigs in 1961; the sinking of submarine USS Thresher (SSN-593) in 1963, off the coast of Cape Cod; and, the final day of the evacuation of Saigon in 1975 with Bill Newell deeply involved.
Seventeen new photos were posted to The Vets Photo Gallery which provided viewing pleasure for several veterans. Among the breakfast attendees (attached photo) were: (L to R) Bill Hamilton, USS Barry (DD-933); Bob Santucci, Army, 196th Light Infantry Brigade; D. Jeffrey Macmillan, USS Harwood (DDE-861); Neal Swenor, (career USAF); and, Mike Arekelian (career USAF).
The next scheduled Vets Breakfast is 6 May 2022.
