Vet Day's Talk

[Midlife]

Today, I gave an invited talk at a local Veteran's symposium at the Library. A fellow historian and I gave a tag-team talk about the Japanese fortress in Rabaul and the Yamamoto shoot-down flight. My father was on that mission. In addition, there were 7 WWII vets who gave their reminisces, ranging from Pearl Harbor to Battle of The Bulge.

It was great to hear these stories. The best statement was: "The memories can't be bought for a million dollars, but I wouldn't give a nickel to do it over again!"

 

[AzPete]

Sounds cool for sure. Always good to talk with some long time Vets. I have always had this comment about my overseas tours...I wouldn't have wanted to have missed them but do not want to go back..... I can really relate to their feelings. Last night, I ran across a couple of Vets that had been in Thailand prior to me and we had some good conversation.

Good deal you did there Randy.

 

[stump]

I never tire of hearing stories from WWII vets. I wouldn’t take anything away from what other vets have experienced, but it’s hard to compare with what was at stake during the 2nd WW. I have two very good friends, both in their late 80’s, who are WWII vets. One was in the Coast Guard (served at a mounted beach patrol here in NC, and aboard ship later in the war). The other was a 19 year old Marine Security guard in China when they were taken prisoner on 8 Dec 41; one of the longest held POWs of the war.

 

[daveSanborn]

I never tire of hearing stories from WWII vets

+1


After I retired from the Marines in 2000 I immediately got hired as a contractor and was paired with an older gentlemen to "break me in" to the world of contractor support. We worked side by side for 8 years sharing a small office. He was enlisted USN during the latter stages of WWII and after receiving a commission rose up through the submariner community to eventually command a sub. I could listen to his stories for hours on end. He's fully retired now, but we meet for lunch the first Monday of every month. There's no-one in my life that I respect more than him.

 

[fordrule]

:wor I have the upmost respect for vets . My father was a huey pilot in veitnam and my grandpa worked in the alameda ship yards in oakland duing ww2. to this day I am one of the only one my father talks to about being over there. there was is a lot different than our "war" ...i mean we have things that keep our mind off of what is going on back home. This is my 4th time over here. granted only my 2nd long tour (afgan june-july 04, iraq feb-june 05, iraq jul07-sep08, iraq dec09-dec10). I dont have the stories of the "old-time" vets..but every chance I say thank you to them, even if they come and say thank and how they support us. I say "No Thank you." Its one thing about this war...the war might not be popular but there is support for the troops..not as much in the past