Some here may not know I put up a message for Memorial Day and for Veterans Day in EONS every year.....I apologize for all the periods, but in EONS it is the style I have chosen and I wanted to share.
This year, I have had two encounters with folks that changed what I might usually do.....
First, I was on the flight from So Cal to DC that included the WASPS.....I met a couple of them.....
These were women that flew 72 different models of aircraft from the U.S. into both the European and Pacific Theaters during WWII.....and at times into hostile airspace.....when I had the priviledge to meet them they were what most would consider to be frail little old ladies.....yet their courage, humility, dedication, sacrifice, and Patriotism truly humbled me.....
Side note, I am thrilled that the airline (American) went WAY-Y-Y-Y out of their way to honor them.....I had never seen a water cannon salute till that day.....
Second, I had the priviledge to meet and talk with several Veterans from the Veterans Home in Barstow, CA.....the one I spoke to first was wearing a cap that displayed proudly that he was a "Cold War Veteran".....Cold Warriors (including me) are certainly not known to display that.....but I was able to talk to a few of them.....
This year, I think of the Veterans who served in the past.....not just the ones who paid with their lives, we all remember them.....I mean the ones who are surviving and may have had tremendous service.....
I treasure having met the WASPS, the Veterans from the Veterans Home, and a time previously when I had the priviledge to meet Tuskeegee Airmen.....
As we BBQ this upcoming weekend and justifiably remember those who have fallen.....how many of us are likely to seek out those who remain? To visit and learn? To let them cry for their fallen comrades and shipmates? To write down their stories so we can all remember?
This year, I encourage everyone to post memories.....yours, yes to be sure.....but if you know others, maybe theirs too.....
This year, I have had two encounters with folks that changed what I might usually do.....
First, I was on the flight from So Cal to DC that included the WASPS.....I met a couple of them.....
These were women that flew 72 different models of aircraft from the U.S. into both the European and Pacific Theaters during WWII.....and at times into hostile airspace.....when I had the priviledge to meet them they were what most would consider to be frail little old ladies.....yet their courage, humility, dedication, sacrifice, and Patriotism truly humbled me.....
Side note, I am thrilled that the airline (American) went WAY-Y-Y-Y out of their way to honor them.....I had never seen a water cannon salute till that day.....
Second, I had the priviledge to meet and talk with several Veterans from the Veterans Home in Barstow, CA.....the one I spoke to first was wearing a cap that displayed proudly that he was a "Cold War Veteran".....Cold Warriors (including me) are certainly not known to display that.....but I was able to talk to a few of them.....
This year, I think of the Veterans who served in the past.....not just the ones who paid with their lives, we all remember them.....I mean the ones who are surviving and may have had tremendous service.....
I treasure having met the WASPS, the Veterans from the Veterans Home, and a time previously when I had the priviledge to meet Tuskeegee Airmen.....
As we BBQ this upcoming weekend and justifiably remember those who have fallen.....how many of us are likely to seek out those who remain? To visit and learn? To let them cry for their fallen comrades and shipmates? To write down their stories so we can all remember?
This year, I encourage everyone to post memories.....yours, yes to be sure.....but if you know others, maybe theirs too.....