Trafford PA toasts with Trafford UK
On November 11, 2022, members of the Trafford American Legion Post 331 shared a virtual toast with members of the Trafford Veterans CIC organization in Trafford, Greater Manchester, England. Trafford PA was named by George Westinghouse after Trafford, Manchester, England. As sister cities, sharing the same name, it was only fitting that veterans from both organizations raised a glass together on Veterans Day - Remembrance Day to honor all those who have served as well as those who have died in all wars. The two groups hope to foster the relationship between Trafford PA and Trafford UK, sharing common democratic ideals and values, with both groups advocating patriotism and continued devotion to their fellow veterans. Representing Trafford UK on Friday were Neil Smith (British Army Veteran) and Claire Wright (Royal Navy Veteran).
The display shown here was set up with the flags of the two nations, the Doughboy helmet centered in the middle, symbolic of our shared history dating back to the First World War when thousands of members of the US Army were issued British equipment shortly after arriving in France. The poppy plays a prominent symbol in the UK on Remembrance Day, as well as here in the US, honoring those who served and died for our country in all wars.
The Trafford American Legion once again participated in the Doughboy Foundation Bells of Peace, with Jim Fike tolling the bell 21 times to signify the moment when the guns fell silent, and bells were tolled on the 11th day of the 11th month, at the 11th hour in 1918.
Jim also gave a moving tribute and toast in honor of the fallen from all conflicts, including his son Robert Fike, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2010.
#LestWeForget #VeteransDay2022 #RememberanceDay2022 #BellsofPeace
