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Replies: 21
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Starter [398]
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Posts: 426
Joined: 12/25/98
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Hero Of the Game
Sep 9, 2015, 12:18 PM
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My dad was the 94 year old WWII vet who was honored at the game Saturday. I just wanted to thank Clemson University the Athletic department and event staff, especially Caitlin Hartley for selecting him and for making it such a successful honor for him. It meant a lot to him also, that my daughter and nephews, all Clemson Alumni, were allowed to help him around and make sure he was okay.
My dad is reluctant to be labeled as a hero. He feels his service, while unique to him, is really a microcosm of the other hundred of thousands who served and sacrificed at that time. Several years ago he began to speak to schools, civic clubs and church groups. He had never spoken before an audience and my brother and I were blown away by his skill and the focus of the audience. He did this because he is aware that the numbers of WWII service members are thinning rapidly every day. He just wanted to do a small part to try and keep the history of the war in front of as many as possible. When he was on that field Saturday he preferred to be a representative of all his brethren who served.
Lastly I wanted to thank the members of Tiger Nation who honored him with a roaring standing ovation. To hear that brought a tear to my eye. He is very hard of hearing and I asked him if the crowd was loud. He said "Hell yes. I could not only hear it but thought I could feel it. It was one of the most incredible experiences I ever had. That is why I gave my Army salute to all four corners of the Stadium."
That ovation represents what being a Clemson Tiger is all about. That is why I wear my ring proudly every day. There is definitely "Something in These Hills".
Thanks to everyone.
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Orange Blooded [2894]
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Joined: 3/13/03
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Was the loudest I cheered the entire game.
Sep 9, 2015, 12:25 PM
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I thank him for his service.
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Heisman Winner [105574]
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Posts: 44178
Joined: 12/22/08
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That's an awesome story, thanks for sharing.
Sep 9, 2015, 12:37 PM
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God bless your dad, who is indeed a hero.
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CU Medallion [51528]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 43076
Joined: 8/10/04
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Your dad is a hero and I want his autograph***
Sep 9, 2015, 12:38 PM
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Hall of Famer [22965]
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Posts: 25005
Joined: 6/24/99
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They truly were "The Greatest Generation"
Sep 9, 2015, 12:41 PM
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your Dad's a special individual. Our thanks
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Varsity [240]
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Posts: 358
Joined: 4/1/09
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Re: Hero Of the Game
Sep 9, 2015, 12:41 PM
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Thank you, Hartwell-Laker. I cheered loudly for your father and you can bet I had a tear in my eye! God Bless him and all men and women who faithfully serve in the United States' Armed Forces!! In my opinion, your father represents the greatest generation of Americans - and does so honorably!!!
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Orange Blooded [2613]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 4492
Joined: 8/21/02
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Yep, I was cheering and clapping too! Point for you and
Sep 9, 2015, 1:22 PM
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thank you to your Dad for his service!
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CU Guru [1407]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 638
Joined: 7/23/01
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Awesome stuff. Thanks for sharing him with Tiger Nation!
Sep 9, 2015, 1:24 PM
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nm
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Orange Blooded [2536]
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Joined: 4/23/04
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Re: Hero Of the Game
Sep 9, 2015, 2:08 PM
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We were in the West End Zone and could see your father smiling as he saluted to each of the four corners of the stadium. We are proud of your dad and thank him for his service.
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All-TigerNet [10569]
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Posts: 7143
Joined: 11/11/02
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NO SIR--
Sep 9, 2015, 2:09 PM
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Thank You to your Dad!
I am the son of an Army Colonel. I know what your Dad means to you and should mean to everyone else.
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All-In [49613]
TigerPulse: 100%
Posts: 30357
Joined: 12/10/98
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Thank your dad for his service and story ...***
Sep 9, 2015, 2:16 PM
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Commissioner [905]
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Joined: 10/22/01
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Re: Hero Of the Game
Sep 9, 2015, 2:23 PM
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That was a special moment Saturday. Thanks to your Dad!
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CU Medallion [52020]
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Posts: 22979
Joined: 10/10/11
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Can't thank your dad enough
Sep 9, 2015, 3:00 PM
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God bless him.
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Hall of Famer [24525]
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Joined: 2/13/15
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The greatest generation......
Sep 9, 2015, 3:05 PM
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Thank him for his service.....
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Legend [15862]
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Posts: 7659
Joined: 12/4/06
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To me your Dad is more than just a Hero of the game. He is
Sep 9, 2015, 3:13 PM
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an American Hero for his sacrifices during WW II. I have study WW I and WW II in great depth. IMO it should be a subject all to itself for high school and college students. Since studying both wars as well as the Korean and Vietnam wars I have a new respect for all current and previous veterans.
My prayers and thanks go out to your father. It was great that he was honored at the game.
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Commissioner [921]
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Posts: 554
Joined: 9/24/03
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Hero and legend in my book!!!
Sep 9, 2015, 4:02 PM
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Orange Blooded [4025]
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Joined: 3/6/01
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terrific post..guess i'm officially an old phart,
Sep 9, 2015, 5:15 PM
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pharts prefer pawsitive posts!
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All-In [40875]
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Joined: 11/30/98
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My Dad is still kicking. 91 yr old former B-17G pilot.
Sep 9, 2015, 5:27 PM
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Those guys were cut from a different cloth.
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All-TigerNet [13359]
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Joined: 1/23/06
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Just awesome! It was the highlight of my day
Sep 9, 2015, 5:41 PM
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As my 5 yr old started asking all kinds of questions about who your father was and why we all cheered so loud.
Very special! Thank you and your father!
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All-In [36450]
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Joined: 12/6/13
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I loved that part of the game.
Sep 9, 2015, 5:43 PM
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Also that the announcer said he had 1 child and 3 grandchildren who attended CU.
Both my Grandfathers were WW2 vets, one Air Force and the other a officer in the army. He told me his whole story before he passed which I wrote down. Sleeping in the trenches at the battle of Anzio and picking up his buddies body parts every morning after the night shellings.
These men fought for the future of our great country!
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Oculus Spirit [90770]
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Joined: 10/18/09
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May I use your handkerchief "hartwell-laker"?!
Sep 9, 2015, 5:52 PM
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GeeZ...wish I'd seen & experienced this great life moment..especially at DV.
GoTiGERS!
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110%er [8082]
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Joined: 2/14/12
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I salute him and The Greatest Generation. Ooh Rah!***
Sep 10, 2015, 8:23 AM
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Replies: 21
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