American Veterans Center

The official account for the American Veterans Center & World War II Veterans Committee. The AVC works to Guard the Legacy and Honor the Sacrifice of our vets.

[American Veterans Center @AVCupdate]

In February of 1945, close friends Don Graves, Billy Byrd, and Ira Hayes fought alongside fellow U.S. Marines as they battled their way up Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima. Hayes was among the six men who famously raised the American flag atop the bloodied mountain.

All three men made it home from Iwo Jima, however, Ira Hayes passed ten years later and was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. On Memorial Day this year, Byrd and Graves visited the gravesite of their comrade in arms, reflecting on their bond and the memories they shared as young Marines during WWII. 

"I saw many bags of mail. I believe most of these letters were from mothers of the kids under those crosses. So many tear-stained letters unanswered."
-Billy Byrd (recalling his final days on Iwo Jima)

[American Veterans Center @AVCupdate]

Early on June 6th, 1944 Donald A.  McCarthy climbed down the ropes of the SS Empire Javelin into his LCA (Landing Craft Assault). Originally scheduled to land in the Dog Green sector of Omaha Beach, the British Coxswain saw the chaos on the beach and instead landed the men in the Dog Red sector where they were met with intense machine gun and artillery fire.

Through luck and determination McCarthy was eventually able to make his way up the beach and towards the Vierville Draw to reach his objective, the church in Vierville. He would be wounded on D-Day, but return to action in early July 1944.

Donald A. McCarthy passed away on August 1, 2017 at the age of 93

[American Veterans Center @AVCupdate]

While serving in the Korean War, U.S. Marine Corps veteran Rudy Meekins earned four Purple Hearts for wounds sustained in combat. Yet one of the memories that has stayed with him all these years isn’t about the battlefield.

It’s about a young Korean boy who crafted a Korean flag from a rice sack and traded it to Rudy for a can of beans.

[American Veterans Center @AVCupdate]

At just 16 years old, Douglas Dillard joined the U.S. Army determined to help win World War II.

What followed was a remarkable military career that spanned decades and some of the most pivotal moments in modern history. From parachuting into southern France during Operation Dragoon in August 1944 to enduring the brutal winter and fierce fighting of the Battle of the Bulge, Colonel Dillard witnessed history firsthand.

He later became a key leader in military intelligence, serving during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars and helping shape critical intelligence operations during some of America’s most challenging conflicts.

In this interview, Colonel Dillard reflects on courage, sacrifice, and the lessons learned from a lifetime of service to our nation.

[American Veterans Center @AVCupdate]

This Memorial Day, we gathered on Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C. for the National Memorial Day Parade to honor the brave men and women who gave everything for our country.

Their sacrifice secured the freedoms we live with every day. They gave their today so we could have our tomorrow.

As we reflect on the courage, service, and selflessness of our fallen heroes, may we never take those freedoms for granted. May we continue to remember their names, honor their legacy, and live lives worthy of their sacrifice.

[Philanthropy Roundtable @PhilanthropyRnd]

Honoring those who gave everything for our freedoms this Memorial Day. Grateful to join our community in remembrance and reflection at today’s National Memorial Day parade in Washington, DC.

Thank you, @Freedom250 @AVCupdate @GarySiniseFound!

[Fox News @FoxNews]

The streets of D.C. filled with flags, music, and special tributes as crowds gathered for the annual Memorial Day parade.

This year’s event also featured America250 celebrations ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

[American Veterans Center @AVCupdate]

We sat down with New York Times bestselling author and former Navy SEAL @JackCarrUSA and the interview is now live on our YouTube channel.

From a young age, Jack Carr had two dreams: serving his country in uniform as a Navy SEAL and becoming an author. Following twenty years in the SEAL Teams, Jack shifted his sights to publishing and fulfilled his literary objective with the release of his debut novel, The Terminal List.

In our conversation, Jack shares insights on storytelling, service, leadership, and the experiences that continue to shape his work both on and off the page.

Watch the full interview now on our YouTube channel. https://t.co/tWPNKflj8p

[American Veterans Center @AVCupdate]

.@Cudlitz is known for his role as Sgt. Denver "Bull" Randleman in the epic World War II miniseries, 'Band of Brothers.' He explains David Schwimmer being cast as Captain Sobel and how they were made to hate him on screen which worked out perfectly for the show.

[GarySiniseFoundation @GarySiniseFound]

Today, we’re celebrating all moms. Those serving in uniform, the mothers of our nation’s heroes, and the women who hold their families together through every season.

Your strength, love, and steady presence make a difference in ways big and small every single day.

Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at the Gary Sinise Foundation. 💐

[American Veterans Center @AVCupdate]

On May 8, 1945, the sirens that once warned of danger were replaced by the sounds of celebration. In the United States, millions of people gathered in houses of worship and city centers to mark the official surrender of Nazi Germany. It was a day of "sober and subdued rejoicing," as President Truman called it—a time to honor the fallen while celebrating the liberation of a world from tyranny.

The day before, Louis Graziano was in the quiet of a classroom in Reims, witnessing the finality of the Third Reich. Having survived the Battle of the Bulge, Louis was tasked with ensuring the headquarters was ready for the historic ceremony. Now 103 years old, he stands alone as the final surviving witness to the surrender

[American Veterans Center @AVCupdate]

WWII Veteran Lester Schrenk explains how he upset a German interrogator after being captured behind enemy lines.

Lester was a ball turret gunner with the 92nd Bomb Group of the Mighty Eighth Air Force. On his 10th mission - aboard the B-17 'Pot o' Gold', his bomber was badly damaged by a German JU-88 over Denmark. Bailing out, he was immediately captured and held prisoner at the Stalag Luft IV camp, surviving harsh conditions and interrogations.

He passed away just two months ago at the age of 102.

[American Veterans Center @AVCupdate]

Today marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Mauthausen concentration camp. On May 5, 1945, American troops broke through the gates of one of the war’s most brutal camps—saving thousands, including rock legend @genesimmons mother, Flora Klein.

At last year’s AVC annual Memorial Day parade, Gene finally met 100-year-old (now 101) WWII veteran Hal Urban—the hero whose unit liberated that very camp. A moment 80 years in the making.

[American Veterans Center @AVCupdate]

U.S. Army WWII Veteran Ernest Mogor trained with the 76th Infantry Division and would enter combat crossing the Sauer and Moselle Rivers in the vicinity of Echternach, Luxembourg in early 1945.

He explains what the term "line of fire" meant during World War 2.

[American Veterans Center @AVCupdate]

Today, May 1, we mark Silver Star Service Banner Day—a solemn opening to Military Appreciation Month.

While many are familiar with the Blue and Gold Stars, the Silver Star Service Banner specifically honors our nation's wounded, ill, and dying service members. It is a symbol of the sacrifice made by those who have faced the enemy and carry the scars of that encounter today.

Today, we highlight Colonel Robert Howard. He is one of the most decorated Soldiers in American history. Not only was he awarded a Silver Star himself, he was also awarded 8 Purple Hearts, a Distinguished Service Cross, four Bronze Stars, and the Congressional Medal of Honor. He was wounded 14 times in 54 months, and he kept on going. He embodied the very definition of sacrifice we honor today.

From the battlefields of the Pacific to the mountains of Afghanistan, thousands of Americans have returned home changed by their service. The Silver Star Banner serves as a reminder to their communities that a hero lives among them—one who has sacrificed much and asked for little in return.

[American Veterans Center @AVCupdate]

Joseph Rodgers  landed with the U.S. Marine Corps in the second wave at the epic Battle of Iwo Jima. He explains the brotherhood he shared with his fellow marines.

[American Veterans Center @AVCupdate]

In May 1967, on his 75th mission, Vietnam Veteran Charlie Plumb was shot down over Hanoi. He was taken prisoner and tortured. He spent 2,103 days – nearly 6 years – as a Prisoner of War. While a Prisoner of War, he served as a chaplain for two years.

He shares the story of the first pair of shoes he wore after spending 6 years in captivity.

[American Veterans Center @AVCupdate]

Marine Corp Veteran Andrew Biggio (@TheRifle_) explains why Marines hated 29 Palms

[American Veterans Center @AVCupdate]

Medal of Honor recipient and UH-1H ambulance helicopter pilot Patrick Henry Brady explains how he was saved from being washed out of flight school.

He would go on to serve in Vietnam where he volunteered to rescue wounded men from four sites in enemy territory. He utilized three helicopters to evacuate a total of 51 seriously wounded men and was awarded the Medal of Honor.