November 7, 2009 in Washington Voices

Trip to Netherlands honors well-known local war hero

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Members of the family of Army Pfc. Joe Mann and two Spokane residents pose for a photograph at a monument erected in 1956 in Mann’s honor in Best, Netherlands. At center in front is Irene Mann Bennett, of Ritzville, Wash., a sister of Joe Mann, and Mary Mann, of Redmond, Wash., a sister in-law. At far right are Sue Walker and Rae Anna Victor, of Spokane. In back row are Byrne Bennett, a nephew, and his wife, Denise, of Medical Lake, and Rena Bennett Brown, of Ritzville, a niece. The others are residents of Best. The pelican is symbolic of self sacrifice.Courtesy photo
(Full-size photo)

A group of Inland Northwest residents, including family members of a local war hero, gathered in Best, Netherlands, earlier this fall to mark the 65th anniversary of the Allied liberation of the Low Countries in World War II.

Pfc. Joe E. Mann, who was born in Reardan, was awarded a Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously for his valor along a Dutch canal during the operation in September 1944.

He became a hero in Best and has been widely honored over the years in the U.S.

The liberation is observed every year in Best, and the Inland Northwest delegation joined …

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