When 18 year-old high school student Morris Dennis landed at Normandy Beach on D-Day nearly 78 years ago, one of the first faces he saw was not an enemy soldier, but that of a young French girl who begged him to help save her starving grandparents. As a token of her appreciation for some rations and other foodstuffs he gathered from his transport ship for her family, the child offered her newfound American hero a pair of wooden shoes. Don't miss the complete story behind this very special pair of shoes here.
Following this uncharacteristic introduction to the War in Europe, Morris went on to complete 45 brave missions delivering reinforcements between England and France. In 1945, when the war on both fronts ended and he eventually returned home to Nashville, he carried one very special pair of wooden shoes, along with a "Stars and Stripes" newspaper announcing "Germany Quits!"
Morris holds this memory and so many others from his WW II experiences close to heart. For years, he kept his emotions locked away, too painful to share with family or friends, until in recent years when he was ready to tell his amazing story.
This month, Morris, 95 - founder and former owner of Dennis Paper Company, and still a lifelong Nashvillian - was recognized for his military service during the March 12th hockey game between the Nashville Predators and the St. Louis Blues. Many family members, friends and the Nashville community turned out to show their appreciation. Congratulations, Morris, and the entire Dennis family, for such a well-deserved tribute to one shining member of our Greatest Generation!
Morris with his three sons, pictured left to right: Ronald, Steve and Jerry
Millcraft acquired Dennis Paper Company in May of 2021. We could not be prouder to be working with Morris Dennis and his family to help carry on his proud legacy in the Nashville community as a much admired U.S. veteran and respected business owner.