Sometimes I have to admit that our speakers for our Business and Professional Women's meetings don't always catch my attention but last night this wasn't the case.
First I have stated many times in my blogs that my grandfather was a World War II veteran. He was the stereotypical, closed mouth man who didn't like to talk about his time overseas. Although he kept a scrapbook while stationed in the South Pacific, I remember that most of the news clippings were about things that happened at home rather than what happened in the war. He came home with scares, tattoos and stories that he chose not to talk about.
When I heard that the Show Me Honor Flight representative was coming to speak I was excited. Although I in my heart I believe that my grandfather would probably not want to re-live those days by visiting a memorial I have always wondered why it took so long to have one in Washington D.C. for these truly special men and women. With more than 1,000 WWII veterans dying each day (20 in Missouri alone) time is ticking for these soldiers.
The speaker told about some highlights of trips he has taken as a Guardian/Escort of those who have made this 24 hour turn around trip (mind you these soldiers are now probably in their late 80's early 90's and health is definitely an issue). Some sadly after signing up to make the trip don't get the chance to visit due to untimely passing but in their hearts they made a far bigger sacrifice while being "over their".
The speaker also talked about how Sedalia is honoring all veterans in a very special way. Sedalia is currently going through a downtown revitalization project and the Honor Flight group is participating by doing brick pavers in honor of all veterans of all wars and conflicts. At $50.00 donation this is a small price to contribute to honor all veterans. Although my grandfather passed in 1977, I am purchasing a brick in his honor so when I walk the sidewalk here in town I can look down and see grandpa looking back up at me, in spirit.
I am considering also being a escort/guardian on a future trip to D.C. in honor of such a wonderful man that influences me still...
First I have stated many times in my blogs that my grandfather was a World War II veteran. He was the stereotypical, closed mouth man who didn't like to talk about his time overseas. Although he kept a scrapbook while stationed in the South Pacific, I remember that most of the news clippings were about things that happened at home rather than what happened in the war. He came home with scares, tattoos and stories that he chose not to talk about.
When I heard that the Show Me Honor Flight representative was coming to speak I was excited. Although I in my heart I believe that my grandfather would probably not want to re-live those days by visiting a memorial I have always wondered why it took so long to have one in Washington D.C. for these truly special men and women. With more than 1,000 WWII veterans dying each day (20 in Missouri alone) time is ticking for these soldiers.
The speaker told about some highlights of trips he has taken as a Guardian/Escort of those who have made this 24 hour turn around trip (mind you these soldiers are now probably in their late 80's early 90's and health is definitely an issue). Some sadly after signing up to make the trip don't get the chance to visit due to untimely passing but in their hearts they made a far bigger sacrifice while being "over their".
The speaker also talked about how Sedalia is honoring all veterans in a very special way. Sedalia is currently going through a downtown revitalization project and the Honor Flight group is participating by doing brick pavers in honor of all veterans of all wars and conflicts. At $50.00 donation this is a small price to contribute to honor all veterans. Although my grandfather passed in 1977, I am purchasing a brick in his honor so when I walk the sidewalk here in town I can look down and see grandpa looking back up at me, in spirit.
I am considering also being a escort/guardian on a future trip to D.C. in honor of such a wonderful man that influences me still...
1 comment:
I enjoyed the program too. The WWII memorial is awesome. I'm glad they are taking Korean veterans too. They should see their memorial. I'm glad Jim got to see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
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