"The events in Fort Walton Beach this week will mark the end. It has come full circle; Florida's nearby Eglin Field was where the Raiders trained in secrecy for the Tokyo mission."

A final toast for the Doolittle Raiders

 

One by one, the WWII generation is dying out......

Great article with a sad undertone......But that's life.

The YOUNGEST of the WWII vets would have been born in, say.......1927.....Making them 86. Makes ya think. I was surprised when the article pointed out that the last 4 survivors of the Doolittle Raid were in their 90s........Then, not so much.

I think the Pearl Harbor vets gave up on public reunions a couple of years ago.

 

Hand Salute! to all our WWII vets.

 

Thanks for sharing Steve!

What this generation has witnessed from cradle to grave is astounding.

I spent three Dec 7's in Pearl Harbor. Even in my late teens and very early twenties, it was emotional for me to see the gathering and camaraderie of these great warriors.

 

I watched a special yesterday on H2 and was very good

 

Pay attention now, pretty soon the only accounts of WWII will be old pics, books, movies, and canned documentaries.

First hand accounts make these pale in comparison.
Talk to a WWII vet while you still can.

 

Since most of us men are goal oriented, here's yours. The 68th anniversary of VE Day is just 3 weeks away. Between now and May 8 make a point to seek out or speak to a WWII vet (in person) and thank them for their service. Report back with their branch of service and theater of operations. It's not necessary to reveal their name if you don't feel it's appropriate.

Who is up for the challenge?

 

I shake their hand and tell them thanks every time I see one. My wife tears up every time. Hell, many times the Vet and I do, as well.

 

As do I. I just plan to be more deliberate about seeking them out over the next 3 weeks.

 

Well I speak to one every week as he happens to be my father. His 87th birthday is this Thursday, the 18th. However, recently he has asked me to come over, by myself, to talk about things. Those things obviously deal with what he wants when...

 

As difficult as this will be, you will never regret doing it this way. Good luck to you.

Lost my dad a couple years before he died in '97. After my mom passed, he was taken by a couple of grifters, and things went downhill from there.

Enjoy the time together.

 

I try to thank any vet I see no matter their era or duty----being an all volunteer military these days our thanks is the absolute least we can do.

With the WWII guys though most are ever so slightly taken aback when they're thanked for their service only because most felt it was their duty, to defend our country. That's what makes it so much more special and important though---letting them know those they helped protect realize their contributions and are honestly grateful they felt it was the only thing to do.

Oh to have that sense of country and ready to accept a call to duty again these days!

 

Thank you for sharing this...

I am currently in AZ for business and took the time to visit the Ghost Squadron in Mesa. They offer rides in several WWII aircraft including a B25 & B17G - called the Sentimental Journey. For a sum, you can even ride in the nose - I am definitely going take the opportunity and ride along.

I can't express enough the sacrifices these men made for the freedoms we enjoy today...