As America celebrated Independence Day, Bill Macias’ family and friends celebrated him and the many contributions he made to the country he nearly died defending and loved so dearly. Watch as five generations of his family gather to hear him describe his incredible World War II experiences and why he spent his life trying to make things better than he found them.
In Honor of His Country and His Life
By 
Growing Bolder
Related Stories 12 of 21
Related Stories 12 of 21
Frank Rasbury, 94-Year- Old Veteran and Rotarian
Philanthropy
“If you’re not serving your community, what good are you?” That’s the philosophy 94-year-old veteran and rotarian Frank Rasbury has lived by his entire life. He’s a true leader that strives for excellence in everything he does, and he wants you to do it too.
The Villages Military Ball
Veterans
The Villages, FL is home to more veterans than any other non-military community in the country. The Retired Military Family Group’s 25th annual military ball was a time to honor traditions, make connections and share memories.
Jerry Domask’s Triathlon: Faith, Family, and Giving Back
Arts
Jerry Domask is an 84-year-old ocean swimmer, artist, and veteran who is more courageous and creative than ever.
Veterans, Are You Accessing All Your Benefits?
Veterans
Elder law attorney Vanessa J. Skinner outlines the key benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Veterans from The Villages Take Their Honor Flight
Veterans
Growing Bolder was honored to join 66 veterans, their guardians, and other volunteers for a recent one-day mission to our nation’s capital.
Saved by Service Dogs: Female Inmates and Military Veterans
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The prisoners at Lowell Correctional Institute who train the dogs and the veterans who receive them offer their heartfelt thoughts about the difference it is making.
99-Year-Old WWII Veteran Irving Locker : Encouraging Others Not To Take Life For Granted
Veterans
Irving Locker survived five major battles in WWII including Battle of the Bulge and D-Day. And, at 18, he became one of the youngest staff sergeants in all of the Army.
Veteran’s Day
Veterans
Veterans Day was originally celebrated as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I on the “11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month” in 1918. For that reason, it’s always celebrated on November 11th — regardless of which day of the week it falls on.
The Opportunity to Say Thank You
Veterans
Operation Gratitude Touches the Lives of Millions of Service Members, First Responders, Veterans & Volunteers
Rescued Film Project – Do You Know These War Veterans?
Arts
Do you know the people or places in these photos? They feature World War II veterans, captured on film but so far, unidentified. The Rescued Film Project has undertaken a massive project — taking previously undeveloped rolls of film, found in locations all over the world and processing them in the hopes that people can help put names to the faces and places featured in the photos.
Phil Taylor: Brush Of Honor
Arts
Phil Taylor was an established artist, working on large-scale murals, graphic design and portraiture. But it was a personal experience with the tragic loss of a childhood friend that truly sparked a life-changing passion.
WWII Vet’s Final Mission: Preserving Women’s History
Veterans
Betty Wall was one of a handful of female pilots in World War II. After the war, she thought that part of her life was over. But then she realized she owed it to her friends — and herself — to make sure we never forgot about their contributions.
