(Aunt Gloria's Speech, made at the Veteran's Day ceremony)
It is a privilege and a Great Honor, as it would be for any member of this family to stand before you on this very important day to honor a family that has served their country, for your freedom as well as mine.
This family is the family of Francis Sr. and Evelyn Drumm. There were 14 children in this family--10 boys and 4 girls. A family I am very proud to be a part of. Those family members that has served this country, heroically, with courage in many capacities such as on the seas, on land, and in the air, are :
Our Dad, Francis Drumm, Sr. served in the U. S. Army National Guard during WWl.
Pearl Drumm served as a 3rd Class Quarter Master in the U.S. Navy during WWII, stationed at Statin Island, New York.
Robert Drumm served as a Private First Class in the U. S. Army during WWll in the European Theatre Operation, fighting out of Fox Holes, stationed in Germany and France.
Carl Drumm served as a Private First Class in the U.S. Marine Corp during WWll in the 4th Marine Division, stationed at Mauri, Hawaii.
Arthur Drumm served as a Staff Sgt Quarter Master in the U. S. Marine Corp. during the Korean War, stationed in San Francisco, CA.
Richard Drumm served as a Private First Class in the U. S. Army during the Korean War, stationed Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland.
Donald Drumm served as a Private First Class in the U. S. Air Force during the Korean War, stationed at Smoky Hill AFB , Salina, Kansas.
Francis Drumm Jr. served as a Buck Sgt. in the U. S. Marine Corp during the ending of the Korean War, stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA. After his 3 years of serving in the Marines was up, and was discharged, he re-enlisted, and served and retired from the U. S. Air Force as a Master Sgt, during the Vietnam War, stationed at Norton Air Force Base, CA.
Rodney Drumm served as a Private First Class in the U. S. Army during the Cuban Conflict, stationed at Ft. Eustace, VA. & Paris, France.
Wanda Drumm Henry, served in the Women's Army Corp, known as the WACS during the ending of the Korean War, stationed at Fort McClellan, Alabama.
Two Son-in-Laws: Donald (Don) Noonan, husband of Wilma Drumm Noonan, served as a Private First Class in the U. S. Army.
Walter Oates, husband of Gloria Drumm Oates also served in the U. S. Army.
There were 10 grandchildren that served their country and some are still serving, in the Middle East as well as in the states.
There are spouses of these grandchildren, that have served their country also.
Our brother Stanley, wanted to serve his country, but due to medical conditions, he was denied to serve.
As your name is read, please stand or (raise your hand), so we can see who you are.
Pearl Drumm, Robert Drumm (deceased), Carl Drumm, Arthur Drumm, Richard Drumm, Donald Drumm, (deceased), Francis Drumm, Jr., currently living in California. Rodney Drumm, would like to be here, but is unable, & Wanda Drumm Henry (deceased).
Would the grandchildren who has served and still serving, please stand; or (raise your hand). If there are spouses of these grandchildren, please stand also; or(raise your hand)
This is a very special day for our parents, Francis and Evelyn Drumm, and for their family for serving this country with sacrifice, courage and honor, along with many other veterans being honored today.
I talked to a WWll Veteran recently and he was asked to give a speech at an event. He closed his speech by saying that after WWll, the veterans were branded as the "Greatest Generation Forever". All America came together and stayed that way.
For those of you who are here and for those who have passed on, we all say a "BIG THANK YOU!"
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