WWII Veteran Dick Graff to Participate in Leesburg's 4th of July Parade

(Ashburn, Va.) - Ashby Ponds resident Dick Graff, a WWII vet, will be a participant in this year’s 4th of July Parade in Leesburg, Va.; it will mark his second parade appearance this year. Most recently, he participated in the National Memorial Day Parade held in Washington, D.C. He rode along the parade route on the WWII 70th anniversary float (see photo).

Graff was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1944 and joined the 104th Infantry Division, also known as the “Timberwolves.” He spent 195 days in combat, moving across Belgium, Holland, and Germany. Today, he spends much of his time sharing his story with local students and is regularly seen welcoming Honor Flight arrivals at area airports.

Over the years, Graff has visited a number of local schools to speak about his war experience including J.L. Simpson Middle School, Oakton Elementary School, Rocky Run Middle School, and Loudoun High School, among others. He also participated this year in the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project, working with students from The Nysmith School in Herndon. Graff tells students that he prayed every day for one more day of life; in fact, he has kept track of exactly how many days he’s been lucky enough to see the sun rise again.

Graff still holds close a photo taken of him on V-E Day - May 8, 1945. He and his squadron spent the two weeks before V-E Day in a small German town protecting a bakery. Graff and his wife visited that same bakery in 2008. He has also written more than a dozen short stories for his children and grandchildren about his war memories.

About Ashby Ponds: Ashby Ponds, one of 18 retirement communities managed by Erickson Living, is situated on a scenic 132-acre campus in Ashburn, Virginia (approximately 30 miles west of Washington, D.C.). The community is home to over 1000 residents and has more than 120 resident-run and resident-driven clubs and groups, an indoor pool, a fitness club, transportation services, 24-hour security, and flexible dining options. More information about Ashby Ponds can be found at www.ericksonliving.com.