I just found out Major Dick Winters, leader of the famed “Band of Brothers” in World War II passed away January 2nd. He was, without a doubt, one of the true heroes of history. Though from everything I’ve read, he wouldn’t really want to be remembered that way.
A lot of people have read or seen Band of Brothers, but I would also highly recommend his personal memoir of the time period, Beyond Band of Brothers.
Winters was on a short list of people I would have loved to meet and photograph. The world has lost a truly great man.
Truly a great loss. Had no idea.
I remember watching the Emmy’s when Band of Brothers was nominated, and seeing Major Winters and the remaining living members of Easy Company when they won. The standing ovation the audience gave Maj Winters and the rest of Easy Company gave me chills. Even when giving his acceptance speech, as was true to his character, it was never about him, it was about his men.
“When the final taps is sounded and we lay aside life’s cares,
And we do the last and gloried parade on heaven’s shining stairs,
And the angels bid us welcome and the harps begin to play
We can draw a million canteen checks and spend them in a day.
It is then we’ll hear St. Peter tell us loudly with a yell,
‘Take a front seat, you soldier men, you’ve done your hitch in Hell.’”
~ Frank B Camp
God speed Major Winters.