| As a yearly tradition, I attend the Westminster Memorial Day Parade with family and friends...we stand in the same spot every year! Over the years I've learned to keep my eyes open for various Reese members who participate in the Parade...Chief Don Love and his wife Linda, as well as FF/EMT Matt Stansbury march and play with the Westminster Municipal Band. Several Members walk with their church groups or Scout troops. But it never fails for me to find a familiar friendly face with his hand waving out the windows of his classic Dodge... That's where you'll find Life Member Bill McKenzie.
Bill takes great pride in his decorated military service and has been interviewed by several local high school students for History reports. He has been published in several textbooks and even in articles for Public Television (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/bulge/sfeature/sf_dispatch_wjm.html).
WILLIAM (BILL) J. McKENZIE (joined RVFC in 1990, Life Member) - US ARMY 1942-1945 - Joined the Army at the age of 20. Originally stationed out of Ft. Meade in Maryland as part of the 76th Infantry Division, 417th Infantry Regiment, Co. B until March 1944. After that time, he joined the 80th Infantry Division, 319th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion, Co. H from 1944-1945. Bill saw combat while he was serving in France, Luxemburg, Germany, and Austria. He was a 60mm Mortar Squad Leader in the 76th Infantry Division until 1944 when he was a replacement in the 80th Infantry Division out of Fort Dix. Later Bill was assigned to a Headquarter Platoon as a runner and a messenger.
When Bill was honorably discharged from the Army he was a very decorated Corporal receiving the Distinguished Service Cross (Battle of the Bulge), The Bronze Star, American Campaign Medal (European, African, Asian) - 4 Battle Stars, Victory Medal, Occupation Medal with German Clasp, Croix De Guerre- Luxemburg*, Croix De Homage- Luxemburg*. *Very few people were awarded these honors from the Duke and Dutchess of Luxemburg, rarely an American. Bill is noted to be the highest decorated veteran in Carroll County, Maryland!
So on this Memorial Day, as we spend the day celebrating with family and friends, let us not forget the sacrifices that our service men and women have given so that we may live and enjoy our freedoms. Today we salute all the members of our Armed Forces for what they have done for us. |
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