World War II Veteran Jack Vier Inspires A New Generation to Greatness

– By April Miller –

During the week of May 21, Jack Vier was a familiar face at Rye High School. Hard to miss in his purple army beret and walking with a slight limp caused by the eight pieces of shrapnel in his hip, Mr. Vier spoke with students about his service during World War II.

Modestly reacting to the warm reception he received, he said he was "getting spoiled rotten" by all the attention, especially from the "beautiful ladies" he would interrupt his stories to compliment.

The day after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Mr. Vier, then 22, quit his job and enlisted in the military. He was at Normandy Beach on D-Day, took part in the Battle of the Bulge and helped to liberate Paris. He was wounded three times, but always returned to the front.

For his service he received numerous medals, including three Purple Hearts, which he displayed for students. He was also invited to attend the 60th anniversary of D-Day and was personally honored by the French Government.

He told students about seeing friends killed in action next to him and flirting with nurses while in the hospital, but talked also about the importance of thinking through your actions, of acting honorably and never underestimating the intent of others.

"If I can tell students what to do in a certain situation or give an example of something that happened to me, maybe I can help, maybe I can indirectly save a life," Mr. Vier said.

He ended the talk by handing out business cards with his phone number and address so students can visit him whenever they like. Mr. Vier is a lead spokesperson for the American Legion-sponsored Memorial Day Essay Contest.

It's so great to have Jack come, said U.S. History teacher Bob Steel. "He can describe the feel of the sand on Normandy Beach, which no book can do. This is the last generation of students that will have the experience of hearing World War II war veterans speak. They are incredibly lucky."