Home Media WWII veterans club celebrates 60 years
WWII veterans club celebrates 60 years
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. More than 70 retired servicemen are expected in Knoxville next weekend to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the 749th Railway Veterans Club Reunion August 15-18 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
The reunion began in 1948 when several members of the 749th club from Washington met to reminisce about their war experiences. Sixty years later, the meeting has grown to an annual reunion and each year, members of the 749th Railway Veterans Club and their families and friends meet in different parts of the United States.
The 749th Railway Operating Battalion was one of many U.S. Army Railway Service units in WWII. It was organized for the sole purpose of providing rail service exclusively in overseas theatres of operation. The unit not only moved military equipment and supplies, but also large numbers of enemy prisoners and restored and operated war-torn civilian railroads that served both the military and domestic population.
This reunion is not just an organization meeting for me these people are my family, said Bill Bradford, member of the 794th Railway Veterans Club. I began going to these events with my parents about 30 years ago and have always enjoyed listening about WWII and American history, he said.
Members of the 749th Railway Veterans Club will enjoy numerous attractions while in town this weekend including a Star of Knoxville riverboat ride. Charter members are expected to travel from New York, California, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Washington, Illinois, and as far as England.
