A Caring Gift from France Reminds All Americas That There is Much More News Than Just The Street Protests

Saturday, ironically, the 76th Anniversary of D-Day when 156,000 Allied troops began the invasion by sea and air that led to the Battle of Normandy (June - August 1944) that changed the course of WWII and resulted in the in the liberation of France and Western Europe from Nazi Germany’s control. America lost 2,000 service members on the first day of fighting. A French woman, Martine Amelie, who lives in Paris was reminded all of her life how grateful her mother was for America’s participation and sacrifices in bringing “freedom from Nazi Germany” to the people of France and Europe.

Sincere appreciation for America’s Veterans

Martine’s mother passed away last year but via a friend in the US, Martine found out about several Homeless Veterans who were sleeping on the sidewalk in one of the most wealthy and successful communities of California - Brentwood. She jumped at the chance to express her sincere appreciation for America’s Veterans on behalf of both her and her mother. So, on Saturday, June 6, 2020, Dave Browning, a Homeless Veteran, was presented with a brand new 10X14ft Tent with Cot and other needed items all because a woman on the other side of the globe heard about a US Veteran in need and she acted to fill that need. Below is a picture of Martine, her personal note to the recipient of her Gift and pictures of Dave Browning enjoying his new tent - a gift that will provide shelter and comfort as he begins his road to recovery. All this and more happened because of Kathy Nixon, from the Brentwood area sent messages out to many of her friends asking them to help fill the needs of local Homeless Veterans. Robert (Bob) Rosebrock, the Director of the Old Veteran Guard in Brentwood had told Kathy about the Vets needing shelters. Kathy was very happily shocked when she learned of Martine’s gift all the way from France on behalf of her and her mother.

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The efforts of the Old Veteran Guard

The efforts of the Old Veteran Guard have resulted in changes to an area that was previously referred to as "Skid Row”…they have managed to transform it into what is now referred to as "Pride Row" with the large tents and each with a cot and a US Flag attached that serve to remind all the Homeless Veterans to be Proud of their service to our Nation. Bob and the Old Veteran Guard have been holding weekly Protests every Sunday at 1 pm outside the fence of the West Los Angeles VA Medical System’s Campus, at the corner of San Vicente and Wilshire Blvds protesting poor treatment of the Homeless Veterans for the last 12 years! In fact, on Sunday, June 7, 2020 they held their 637th such “Peaceful” Protest. Via their efforts, Pride Row, including Dave Browning’s new tent, presently consists of 25 such shelters for formerly Homeless Veterans. But as a result of Kathy’s efforts that number will grow another 10 new tents this coming week…Thank You Kathy Nixon and all your friends who have helped to grow the number of shelters to 35 . In gratitude to all who have lost their lives or been injured while in Service to our Nation - "Thank You”. And Thank You, Martine, for reminding all Americans that rather than waiting and demanding that our government should “fix” things - we can jointly and individually all do our part to express our gratitude and appreciation for those who have previously served or are presently serving our Nation. Finally…Bob Rosebrock always likes to remind everyone he speaks to that:

“We can all help to Honor our dead Veterans (like in the Normandy Invasion) by taking care of our living Veterans.”

Martine’s Thank You Letter Honoring U.S. Homeless Veterans with a Gift:

To the US Veterans From Martine Amelie in Paris On this D-Day anniversary, I am so happy to purchase a tent for one of you. I hope it helps for better days to come. My mother was born in Lorraine France and passed away in 2019. She was always grateful remembering the US participation and human sacrifice to bring back freedom to France and Europe. This 2020 D day celebration has been very sad this year as the vets could not travel and only gatherings of limited number of people were allowed instead of the usual huge crowd coming to honor those who fought. Take care Martine Amelie

Photos above: Left: Every Tent on "Pride Row" is Adorned with a United States Flag Honoring Each the 25+ Homeless Veterans for Their Service 10 More Such Tents Will Go Up This Coming Week Right: Dave Browning is Now a Very Happy “Formerly” Homeless Vietnam Veteran Enjoying Martine’s Gift of a New Shelter and Cot