Jess Liptzin
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — More than 20 veterans gathered together for dinner after being honored at the opening of the Hard Rock Casino in Rockford on Thursday.
“Honor and respect all of our World War Two generation that allowed us to do things like hard rock. How about a toast to the greatest generation,” said VetsRoll President Mark Finnegan.
Nearly 10 of the 20 veterans were a part of World War Two. Those veterans were honored at the opening of the Hard Rock Casino.
“If they were 17 the last day of the war, they’re now 96 years old. Thats the youngest ones don’t have much time left. We are fortunate we have a lot of them in our virtual database, said Finnegan. So, it was really great to see all these people,” said Finnegan.
One of those vets in attendance was Bill Hunter. He was in the Navy and a part of the armed guard assigned to a merchant ship.
“Merchant ships don’t have guns, but during wartime, they fit them and so they get the Navy gunners to go on and do the guns work and so forth,” said Hunter.
Hunter’s talent for magic helped pass the time during the war, but post-war was when his magic career took off.
“I kept practicing and did a few small shows and finally worked up,” said Hunter. “I did magic all over the country. And I’ve done magic in 19 foreign countries.”
Those with VetsRoll hope to continue to give these opportunities for vets to come together. they know how important it is to pass along their stories.
“It’s like once they’re gone, we’ll never hear about those stories again,” said VetsRoll Director Lanny Wong. “Some of them are just unbelievable stories of heroism and being away from home for years.”
During a silent auction at the casino, $17,000 was raised for VetsRoll. For more information about the non-profit visit their website