As the 60th Anniversary of the liberation of Mauthausen -- and soon thereafter -- of VE Day, approaches, we express our gratitude to the bold men of the 11th Armored Division -- and all their fellow GIs -- for serving our country, for battling to free a continent from the grip of fascism, and for lending their personal honor to the uniform of the United States Army and to the flag of the United States of America.

In particular, we honor and remember our own beloved Wm. Albert Vaughan, a veteran of the 11th Armored Division -- one of so many who, as a young man, willingly answered the call of Liberty, soldiered his way across Europe, prevailed at the Battle of the Bulge, shed his own blood for the cause of Freedom, and survived to be with the 11th Armored Division for the liberation of the Nazi death camp at Mauthausen; only to return home to his finest accomplishments in this life -- being a hard-working father, a loving grandfather, and a tenderly devoted great-grandfather.

He was a fine man.

To all the good men who soldiered with him -- and to all who have worn the uniform across the decades -- may the Good Lord let his face shine upon you until the end of time.