We are losing them at the staggering rate of 2,000 per day...our nation's World War II veterans. My Dad will have passed away a year ago next month. He was a WWII veteran, having fulfilled his military obligation in the Army Air Corps as a mechanic on the P-38 Lightening aircraft, a truly awesome piece of equipment. Dad was a gifted athlete and had the opportunity on numerous occassions to play baseball while serving in the military with such hallowed and immortals as Stan Musial and Ted Williams. This God-given ability kept him "states side" throughout the war and the atomic bombs dropped on Japan served to cancel his orders at the last minute to go to the Pacific theater. It is difficult at best to say whether or not my Dad would have seen acutal combat, but my younger brother and I are thankful that possibility was never put to the test. Although my Father was never required to fire a weapon in defense of his country, I am nevertheless just as proud of him for answering his country's call to defend this nation and to stand ready to regain and perserve the freedom from the alliance axis powers who were determined if unchecked to spread their horrific tyranny nation-by-nation in the late 30s and early 40s. Tom Brokaw labled these brave men and women "The Greatest Generation." I wholeheartedly concur. There is a special tribute to this generation that is sweeping the Internet. The link is provided below. I encourage you to be touched by this tribute, as was I, and take the time to personally express your personal appreciation to a family member, friend, or an aquaintance who remain with us still that the debt of gratitude that we owe them is reflected in the life of freedom we have enjoyed and cherished for over 60 years.
Before it is too late and before they go on to a far greater reward beyond this world, say "thank you." We are who we are as a nation and a people because of their dedicated sacrifice. God bless them all.
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