Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, July 3, 1993 TAG: 9307070433
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
This is in no way an attempt to negate the significance of the contributions made by countless other groups. From the Revolutionary War on through Desert Storm, they all did their jobs well.
However, for some people, World War II vets will always stand out. Many of them no longer sport the slim waist lines and thick heads of hair. Many no longer move with grace and agility and no longer flash the bright eyes of quick minds. Most survivors are now past 70 years of age. More tragic yet, some no longer survive.
They went away to war, some being gone for five years or more. They went to Iwo Jima, Guam, Guadalcanal and to the beaches of Normandy and searing sands of North Africa. They braved jungle sniping. They flew through skies that were flaming red or deadly black from enemy flak. On the high seas, they endured the stark terror of Tokyo's kamikazes. They waded the battlefield mud that ran red with the blood of their buddies.
They saw their buddies blown to bits or mowed down by withering enemy gunfire, and some faced the dastardly death march of Bataan.
They went away to war and never had a doubt about what they were fighting for - to preserve, promote and spread freedom. They gave the most vibrant and cherished years of their young lives.
But some gave more. Some gave a sound and quick mind that would never again function normally. Some gave fingers and toes, hands and feet, and some gave arms and legs. But some gave more. More than a third of a million gave their lives.
Seldom in history has a group done so much for so many. We who never served are the richly blessed partakers of the fruits of their unselfish sacrifices.
Yes, to many of us, World War II vets will always be special.
SONNY WOODY COLLINSVILLE
by CNB