Veterans Day: Celebrities Who Served the US
Americans across the country are celebrating those that have served the nation’s armed forces, including a few members of Hollywood’s elite, today.
The famous phrase “Freedom isn’t free” is engraved into one wall at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., and the saying is often repeated on Nov. 11. Soldiers of the past as well as those serving today are appreciated and receiving prayers from all over the U.S. today.
Many Hollywood celebrities have background in the military, and although their careers lend much praise and admiration, even stars are proud soldiers. Of the many celebrity veterans, The Christian Post has highlighted a few of the honorable former servicemen and women.
This season on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars,” J.R. Martinez has dominated with high-scoring performances. The actor-turned-dancer served in the U.S. Army, and in 2003 suffered severe burns on over 40 percent of his body while in Iraq. The 28-year-old underwent extensive plastic surgeries in order to restore his face after the injuries. Martinez is now a motivational speaker and has been hailed by many as a hero.
Also a veteran, Bill Cosby remains one of the most recognizable celebrities from 90s television. Cosby served the Navy during the Korean War where he worked at Bethesda Naval Hospital as a medical professional.
“The Hangover” star Rob Riggle was a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps before becoming an actor. He served in Kosovo as well as Afghanistan.
Crooner Tony Bennett, who will perform during this year’s Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center in New York, served the Army in 1944. Bennett was deployed to France and Germany during WW II where he began singing with a military band.
Revered actor, director, and producer Clint Eastwood formerly served in the Army also. The 81-year-old is still working in Hollywood, and released the new film “J. Edgar” to theaters Friday.
Ahead of mastering all things cooking, Julia Child served as an American spy during WW II. Working for the Office of Strategic Services, which today is the CIA, the French cooking expert went overseas in 1944 to South East Asia on a military assignment.
Malcolm Forbes of the $150 million publication Forbes magazine won a Bronze Star for his military service during World War II. He served in four different European countries during his deployment.
The late Ed McMahon, sidekick on the “Tonight Show” to Johnny Carson, was also a soldier. The veteran served in the Marines as a colonel and aviator in World War II and Korea. After progressive health problems, McMahon died in 2009.
“The King of Rock,” Elvis Presley served in the Army in 1958 before establishing himself as a music icon. Presley was even stationed in Germany during his service, where he met his future wife Priscilla – with whom he had Lisa Marie Presley.
In 1918, Humphrey Bogart joined the Navy and served during WWII before becoming one of the most iconic male actors of all time.
The cable Military Channel hosts the show “Celebrities in Uniform” which uncovers notable military careers of stars who have served in the armed forces. The television special will air daily through Nov. 25.
