World War II veterans are dying at the rate of approximately 1000 per day. That may not seem like a lot but pretty soon they will all be a distant memory -something we’ll read about in history books or see in a documentary. They will all be gone. Even at this time, most of them are in their late 80’s and 90’s. These brave men and women are the remnant of the Greatest Generation.

According to Richard V. Horrell of WW2Connections, “16,354,000 men and women served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. This number includes members of the Army, Army Air Corps, Navy and Marines.”

World War II was fought from 1939 to 1945. Most of the world’s nations were involved in that great and terrible war.Germany was at the forefront of the Axis powers, lead by its maniacal dictator Adolph Hitler, and joined by Italy and Japan. Great Britain, Russia and the United States were the key players–the “Big Three”– in the Allies camp, determined to defeat him in his ultimate goal to conquer the world, and annihilate the Jews.

On December 7, 1941, in the early hours of the morning (7:55 a.m.), Japan declared war on the United States. Waves and waves of Japanese warplanes bombed the U.S. battleships that lay at rest in Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii in a two-hour siege. The U.S. became entrenched in huge wars on two fronts: Europe and the Pacific.Those were truly perilous times.

Armed forces were needed, and needed fast. Every able-bodied man began to enlist. Those too young to actually go into combat, were utilized here on the home-front with the day to day military business (my dad being one of them.) For the most part, though, they were sent overseas. Waves and waves of our very best, prepared to give life and limb for their country, were trained and shipped out. Patriotism was high. Sacrifices were great. The war-effort dominated every part of life.

And, eventually, we won. Nations were left in ruins following years of bombing and bloodshed. Lives had been stretched to the utmost. And there were funerals, way too many to count and, yet, often no body to actually place in the ground. Families needed to mend. Some never would.

But are these people, these heroes, forgotten? Many have felt just that way.Those remaining World War II veterans seldom talk about it. Even 70 years later, it is still too painful. They endured so much. But there is a need–a deep need. That is why Honor Flight was born.

Retired Air Force Captain Earl Morse knew something had to be done. The National World War II Memorial was built in Washington DC, right on the National Mall. It opened for public viewing in April of 2004 and was officially dedicated on May 29, 2004 along at grand 4-day celebration reunion of World War II veterans.

Their story is much better told by themselves (video interview above) but the “Reader’s Digest version” is that Andrew was in the little town of Dansville, NY with his family when they went to a vintage theater to enjoy a movie. Being a visionary, the incredible architecture totally grabbed his attention. He knew that he had to do something there. Something patriotic!

He called Josh and enthusiastically sent him some shots of the picturesque structure. He told Josh, “We can rent it to film but I don’t know what to do with it. Got any ideas?” And Josh ran with it. The thoughts were coming faster than he could type. And 20 minutes later, it was there: “I Fought For You”.

Casting was done in a casual way. They put the word out to family and friends–especially those in the military.

Then the big day arrived. The clock was ticking away. They had use of the theater and equipment for only a few short hours and then their window of opportunity would be GONE. So, making good use of every moment, they shot it. Andrew edited it. Their good friend Dave Bode wrote the musical score for it. And former President Ronald Reagan narrated the newsreel (Listen to the distinctive voice. You’ll know it soon as you hear it.)

Interesting note: a few of the older gentlemen appearing in the film had never been actors. They are authentic World War II Veterans who have also participated in Honor Flight and, thus, Josh, Andrew and Dave’s connection with Honor Flight was born.  Editor’s note: some  have passed away since the making of this film.

Both videos are included here for you to enjoy and then, please, take a moment check out Honor Flight’s various websites.

More importantly, if you know a veteran, don’t wait. Tell them  “Thank you for fighting for me“!

Both Memorial Day and Veterans Day are far more than a day off from work or school. They are days set aside for us to show appreciation for those who have served in our military and sacrificed so much.

Memorial Day became an offical national holiday in the USA in 1971. Prior to that it was known as Decoration Day, established shorly after the Civil War to honor those who gave their lives fighting for our country.

Veterans Day honors those who have fought to keep America safe and free.

Just following World War I, President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11th to be a day to appreciate all that our veterans have done for us. It was called “Armistice Day” and World War II was yet to be.

“Thank you for fighting for us!”

 

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Enjoy!