“Wild Bill” Guarnere Memorial Set for April 29th

"Band of Brothers" vet will be honored at Kimmel Center.

Here’s a press release on the memorial for “Wild Bill” Guarnere, the Philly veteran whose story helped form the basis for the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers. Guarnere died in March.

As you may have heard, on March 8, 2014 we lost an iconic Philadelphia war hero, William “Wild Bill” Guarnere. Wild Bill, a South Philadelphia native, was a member of Easy Company, in the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army during World War II, where he was wounded in action and lost a leg. Guarnere became a popular advocate of wounded soldiers, supporter of war efforts, and wrote the book Brothers in Battle, Best of Friends: Two WWII Paratroopers from the Original Band of Brothers Tell Their Story. He most famously was portrayed by actor Frank John Hughes in the 2001 HBO miniseries Band of Brothers, produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks.

The family is having a memorial service for him on Tuesday, April 29th 2014 at the Kimmel Center (doors open at 7 pm) to not only celebrate his heroism, but also his incredible life. Due to his popularity, a large space is needed to accommodate his 2,000 + family members, friends, and supporters. Admission is FREE and tickets are being distributed by the Kimmel Center.

We are looking for help to give Wild Bill the sign-off he so rightfully deserves. Donations are needed to offset the cost of the memorial service and are being accepted online at www.youcaring.com/wildbillmemorial or mailing a check to the Wild Bill Memorial Fund, c/o Debi Rafferty to the above address.

There will also be a non-profit charity in the same name being formed and will be established soon to carry on the name of this Great American Hero.

Philly Mag ran this remembrance of Wild Bill last month;  and this profile back when the miniseries aired.