Veterans Day

From The Raymond News, September 30, 1943

Today my brother, Bob, had a really nice post on Facebook about Veterans Day. He talked about how all five of us kids knew how important the day was to our dad, Charlie Bandy, a WWII veteran. Bob noted that our dad felt that Veterans Day was something to be proud of and thankful for 365 days a year. He recalled that the Raymond Variety Store was closed each year on this day, and remembered how Dad would help with the flags and wreaths at the cemeteries.

When dad entered the Army in 1942, he went to basic training and to Renken Trade School in St. Louis. He was scheduled to travel to Delaware and join an MP unit that was shipping out to Africa, but due to a mix-up with the orders, the MP unit left a few days before he arrived there. He was given new orders, and on May 26, 1943, he sailed out of New York Harbor on the Queen Elizabeth, headed for Scotland. He was eventually added as a replacement to the 861st ordinance company. This "mix-up" might have saved his life, as it was reported that many members of that MP unit out of Delaware were killed in action.

He spent over two years overseas in England, France, Belgium, and Germany. He remained in touch with many of the men from the 861st Ordinance Company for the rest of his life. 

Today, I want to thank everyone who has served or is currently serving our country, including both my brothers, Joe and Bob Bandy, my brother-in-law, Tim Lebeck, and my nephew, Ryan Bandy. We appreciate your service.