With Jeep Wave Day 2016 just around the corner, one of our social media connects Kelley sent us this video she made on the far reaching history of the Jeep Wave. We thought it was a fantastic preview to #JeepWaveDay and wanted to share with everyone. Enjoy!
We spent some time up in the Pacific Northwest in Tacoma last week and visited the LeMay Museum: America’s Car Museum. I had personally not been acquainted with the LeMay museum or the family story prior to the visit and needless to say, I was impressed with the scope and depth of the collection.
LeMay, who earned his fortune running a successful waste management company in Tacoma, WA, amassed a collection of approximately 3,500 cars. While only about 350 cars are displayed at the 4 story museum, the collection covers nearly all of the 20th century and virtually every American car make…including Jeep.
There was one, lonely Jeep Willy’s on display in immaculate condition. The Jeep story was included in a special placard below the exhibit and referenced the Jeep’s unique tie to American Armed Forces, particularly during WWII. The picture of President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill in a Jeep highlights the history and importance well. Very cool to see all the cars, but especially neat to see the Jeep featured in such a great collection of classic American vehicles. Jeep Wave!
It’s Veteran’s Day today. Like every year, a time for us to personally reflect and thank those we know and those we’ve never met for their service to the USA. Like last Veteran’s Day, jeepwaves.com is bringing you some interesting historical notes from WWII – Jeep related of course.
“Over the target, just a few meters above the ground, an 88 shell burst just behind Thompson’s jeep. The concussion broke the latches of the nose section, which flipped up and locked, throwing the pilots out. The blast cut the ropes that held the jeep, which leaped out ahead of the glider, engine running, flying through the air at high speed, Thompson gripping the steering wheel with all his might. He made a perfect four-wheel landing and beat the glider to the ground, thus becoming the first man in history to solo in a jeep.”
As if that wasn’t enough, after landing, Thompson proceeded to drive his Jeep over to the two pilots who were injured in the landing. He then treated their wounds, and drove them to an aid station. A story of heroism from all involved and an impressive number for our beloved Jeep to boot! A little reminder next time your Jeep gets “airborne” on the trail…it could be worse.
The rest of the book is definitely worth a read, but we thought this little excerpt would be a fun read and a good reminder just how intertwined the Jeep is with the history of those who defend our country. So, as we pay respect to our Veterans today, give a Jeep a wave if you see one!