I've spent most of the last two weeks interviewing World War II veterans for a special project at the Times-Herald. We're trying to interview as many vets as we can find as soon as possible and—beginning on Veteran's Day—present all their stories in the months to follow.
I could write a book about what I've seen and heard in the last 10 days. Not the war stories, but the heartfelt, and often tearful, reminiscences of comrades who fell in battle and liberated prisoners of war and victims of Hitler's death camps.
I've spent hours with these members of the so-called "Greatest Generation." So far, not a one has been able to tell their war time story without breaking down in tears. That may be the most lasting legacy they leave. Not that they saved the free world from God-knows-what, but that after all these years, their hearts are free of anger and filled only with heartbreaking memories of the terrible waste and suffering that war always brings.
If you know a WWII vet and haven't talked to them, take a moment and do it. If they're not up to it, be understanding. Most of all, whether they talk to you or not, tell them "Thanks." Not for being patriots. But for being such fine people. And I guarantee, most are.
God Bless them all.
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