Slideshow: WW II Veterans Remembered

I wanted to give an explanation of the short slideshow I've posted on this blog.

Our recent trip to Longboat Key took us to the Ronald Reagan Airport in Washington, D.C. on a day when a group of 150 veterans of World War II from Ohio were being flown to our Capitol to visit the World War II Memorial. Announcements over the loudspeaker brought a great crowd to greet these men and women, part of what has been called "The Greatest Generation," as they deplaned. There were very few there who didn't have a tear in their eye or a lump in their throat as they witnessed this touching scene. What a wonderful enterprise has been undertaken across America as corporate sponsors fly our veterans free of charge so that they might see firsthand the memorial to their service.

Today, closer to home in Orange County, New York, Larry and I attended a quilt show and found a small, privately owned collection of World War II quilts on display. Many of these quilts were made as fund-raisers. Citizens donated money for the privilege of signing their names to some of these quilts which were then raffled off, the proceeds of which were used for various service-related endeavors. One quilt featured songs of the era. Another was comprised of pillows that servicemen were able to buy on posts.

My father served in the Air Force; Larry's father in the Navy. My father's oldest brother was killed during the invasion of Normandy. As we near our national election I could not think of a more appropriate time to give thanks to the men and women who have helped keep our nation free.