Gould 0738 wrote:

We're beginning to run out of living reminders of WWII. A kid just old enough
to enlist in 1941 would be in his early 80's today. Most of the officers who
served in WWII as young men in their mid-20's or 30's are gone, as are probably
all the senior officers and commanders. My father in law was a freshly coined
Navy Lt. He's still among us at 87, but sadly enough most of his lifelong
friends have passed on.

In yesterday's paper, there was in item that speculated there are probably no
more than a few dozen WWI veterans still living, and all are presumbly over
100.

Pearl Harbor was the beginning of the last
military engagement where the United States declared war. I guess that's a
formality nobody (at all) bothers to engage in these days. Sort of like an act
of chivalry. "Be warned! We're coming to get you!" rather than "Be surprised!
We're here!"



Thanks for the story Chuck:

I spent two trips to my home town of St.Louis this summer. One to lay my
father (Paw) to rest as cancer claimed him. (there were other trips to
help out of course with his care) And the other to go to my Grandmaw's
100 birthday party, who recalls WWI and WWII very well.

Who knows how many VETS are still around, But there are those who
remember, and remember it well WWI and WWII. Grandmaw is as sharp as a tack.

My father-in-law (I never met him) Worked on B17 on the Eastern theater,
we are thankfull to have several item of his as from his service well.

My old hunting buddy in Missouri father server in subs. He has passed on
as well.

All we can do is remember why they served and what they did to try to
ensure that we have the rights and freedoms we now should cherish.

Pearl Harbor was one of our darkest days, but that day and those that
followed were some of our greatest..

Capt Jack R..