By Al Stover
Staff Reporter 

Veterans Cemetery celebrates 'Spirit of '45'

 

Last updated 8/27/2015 at 10:03am

Al Stover

Private First Class Henry Goode (left) stands next to Rudy Lopez, director of the Washington State Veterans Cemetery, as he tells the story about an enemy sniper wounding him during World War II.

Veterans, military personnel and family members gathered at the Washington Veterans Memorial Cemetery for its "Spirit of 45," Saturday, Aug. 15.

The event was to commemorate the 70th anniversary of "Victory over Japan Day," which signaled the end of World War II. On Aug. 15, 1945, the initial announcement of Japan's surrender was made, however due to time zone differences, the United States, the rest of the Americas and Eastern Pacific Islands, heard about the surrender the day before. The official signing of the surrender document occurred on Sept. 2 of that year.

During the ceremony, Rudy Lopez, director of the Washington State Veterans Cemetery, acknowledged several WWII veterans in attendance. Lourdes "Alfie" Alvarado-Ramos, Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs director, noted that Aug. 15 also marked Korea's independence from Japan at the end of WWII. She also thanked the veterans for their service.

"One thing we've learned is World War II veterans are very humble," Alvarado-Ramos said. "After the war they came home and didn't ask for anything. We need to be grateful for their service and our duty is to make sure veterans are taken care of and have access to benefits."

One of the ceremony's guest speakers was Pfc. Henry Godde, a purple heart recipient who served under Gen. George Patton at the Battle of the Bulge. Goode shared stories of serving under Patton on the front lines. While he was on the Rhine River, an enemy sniper wounded him.

"He got off two shots, which was very unusual," Goode said. "One of the bullets went through both of my legs then hit someone else in the chest."

Goode later met up with his fellow officer to retrieve his half of the bullet. He said he had no ill will toward the man who shot him.

"My only regret is I didn't get his name and address," Goode said. "I would have sent him a box of cigars every Christmas."

Another speaker was Ralph Virene, motor machinist mate third class, who served in the Navy during the war. Virene shared his backstory of growing up in Chicago, enlisting in the service and surviving the attack on Pearl Harbor.

The event closed with a special ceremonial wreath placed on a headstone. The wreath honored World War II veterans around the world.

"We're fortunate to live in the greatest nation because of people like Henry and Ralph and we hope to share that with people around the world," Lopez said.

Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.

 

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