This evening my family and I had 2 World War II Veterans and their spouses over for dinner. We were also privileged to have our friend "Granny", who is 90 join us.
The WWII Vets are my dad who is 85 and Jim a friend from church who is 88. These two men sacrificed for our freedom. They gave their courage, their strength and their youth for you and me. They stood up, signed up and made a difference. Granny sacrificed too. Her husband died of a war related illness shortly after returning home.
Our veterans from World War II are dying at the rate of about 1,000 per day. Take some time and ask a veteran in your area about his life while you still can. Ask what they did during the war, what it was like and how they are now. Thank them and listen!
Jim was a gunner on board a ship and was one of the first to find that the Japanese Kamikaze pilots had armored planes. How did he find out? Every 7th bullet had a tracer. He noticed that the tracers were bouncing off the airplanes. An important discovery for the United States.
My Dad was an engineer in the army. Providing the British troops with needed supplies, weapons and support and to defend the free world.
Pretty important stuff protecting us and making a stand against the terrors of Nazism.
There are a lot of older people around who have done important, life changing, world changing things which you and I should be thankful for.
Take time today to recognize and respect someone over 70, over 80, over 90. Ask them a question.
In fact buy them a cup of coffee.
Jonathan
Way to go, Jon. Proud to be the friend of someone who respects those who have gone before. You are right, we need to honor those who fought and sacrificed for our freedom. I am sure in giving, you received. It's been a joy to follow you on your blog.....Lois
Posted by: Lois Bushong | November 30, 2009 at 08:01 PM