Wingate World War II Vets honored at family reunion

 

Last updated 6/12/2013 at Noon



The Wingate Family Reunion was held Saturday at the LaQuinta Inn in Bridge City. According to Patsy Wingate, the family has been holding an annual reunion for over 90 years. “We’ve been having them for a very long time,” she said.

As a special honor, the Veterans of Foreign War presented plaques to Nick, Florence and Roy Wingate, all World War II veterans.

“The VFW does a lot of stuff for veterans and made up the plaques for the three surviving vets they had, who happen to be in this one family, which was really, really nice of them,” said Patsy, Florence’s daughter. “It was a lovely ceremony. A member of the family got up and talked about the veterans’ service, actually what they did in the war and that sort of thing. The recipients actually said some things too.”

“They didn’t give Roy enough time,” said Florence. “He went to France, Belgium and all over the place. When they invaded Normandy, he was on Omaha Beach.” Florence continued, “I knew Roy before I knew any of the other Wingates.”

Florence Grandt Wingate, widow of Lance Wingate, was a Navy Wave during the war. Lance was also in the Navy on the U.S.S. Bunker Hill according to Patsy.

Nick, another Navy vet, said he really appreciated the attendance Saturday. “When this many people show up to support you, that’s important. You can’t really do any better.” Nick said family came from as far away as Colorado Springs, Colo.

Roy said he was born and raised his family in Orange. He came back to Orange after being discharged from the Army. He said he met people in Paris during the war and became very good friends. He just recently lost contact with them. “The treated me very, very fine. I always remembered that.”

Roy said family is very important to him.

Nick, Florence and Roy Wingate are three World War II surviviors in the same family. They wer honored by the VFW Saturday at their yearly family reunion. RECORD PHOTO: Chuck Wingate

 

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