Philadelphia's Tribute to two "Band of Brothers"

[Bill D.]

Philadelphia has created a memorial tribute to Babe Heffron and Bill Guarnere, two Easy Company members who were from South Philadelphia (and proud of it; they usually added "So. Philly" to their autographs).
There were a lot of guys in the airborne who were from Philadelphia and Pennsylvania generally.



https://www.inquirer.com/life/willia...-20191228.html

[Matt M]

That's a great tribute
Nice Job Philly

[frank savage]

Yep! And also a nice pic of the two vets!

[mdk220]

great job Philly!! We can't forget these heroes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bill D.]

The funny thing is that I knew Babe for a number of years (and I certainly met Bill), and I don't think that either Babe or Bill Guarnere would have been thrilled about statues of themselves being erected (although I am personally glad that it was done). In the very first conversation that I ever had with Babe, I made a comment about his new found fame, and he replied, with great seriousness: "There were 16 million of us serving. Nobody was more important than anybody else." When he died, there was not even a published obituary for Babe, as per his specific instructions. Babe told me that he viewed three groups as being the true "heroes" of the war:
- Those who did not return;
- The military chaplains, who went into battle unarmed and who gave comfort to the living and to the wounded;
- And the mothers of all of the men and women who went off to war.


Babe was a heck of a guy, very modest and very funny.

[historyguy]

Thanks for bringing this to everyone's attention, Bill. It's a very nice tribute.

The funny thing is that I knew Babe for a number of years (and I certainly met Bill), and I don't think that either Babe or Bill Guarnere would have been thrilled about statues of themselves being erected ...

You're probably right about that, but I do like the comments from Babe Heffron’s daughter: <BLOCKQUOTE>But Heffron’s daughter, Trisha Zavrel, said she warmed to the idea of her father and his best friend inspiring others.

"He was so proud of the old neighborhood," said Zavrel, 57, of Marlton. “Maybe some kid will look at him and go, ‘Look at what this kid from 2nd Street did. Maybe I can do something pretty cool, too.’”</BLOCKQUOTE>

[101combatvet]

I spent a few Saturday nights over Bill's house with other 101 vets eating pizza and drinking beer; heard a few of Bill's war stories first hand during those get-togethers. The thing that gets me is the number of people that were hounding these guys for profit. Not only the numerous book deals but the autograph seekers were out of control.

[Bill D.]

Babe told me that he had been offered money to "authenticate" military items as having been his from the war. He declined, of course.

[pauke]

Anyone have a close-up of the inscription on the plaque?

[Bill D.]

Here you go:

[pauke]

Thanks, however, is there an explanation of the statues for visitors to know the meaning?

[Texasuberalles]

At least there will be no one wanting to topple these statues.

[101combatvet]

At least there will be no one wanting to topple these statues.

Don't hold your breath.

[Bill D.]

At least there will be no one wanting to topple these statues.

In South Philly???
That would probably be a VERY unwise (and unhealthy) thing to try!