Imagine if you could spend an afternoon with a WWII Veteran?

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak to a packed auditorium of high schoolers and faculty. The real featured speakers were WWII veterans from the Navy, Army, Marines and Air Force covering both theaters of war. They humbly explained what it was like for them. Memories they have kept to themselves for seven decades. Some sworn to secrecy for national security. Some because they didn’t think anyone cared…imagine?

An amazing assortment of soldiers, sailors and airmen together. Any stories? How Captain Purple had to extinguish an engine fire at 30,000 feet of a B-17 and earning the Distinguished Flying Cross. Army infantryman Sergeant DiSalvo making THE decision of his life to save his unit single handily, earning him the Distinguished Service Cross.

The photo showing Sgt Al Pinard looking over a page from his flight log over the South Pacific in a dive-bomber. Navy Signalman Godin still remembers the Morse code and flag signals he used to direct the ships at war. Navy Boatswain mate Ralf Cuddy was aboard the notorious USS North Carolina when hit by a Japanese torpedo. Cpl Sanderson shared stories with the high schoolers what it was like landing on Omaha Beach just after D-Day.

Living history. An amazing afternoon for some very lucky high schoolers and faculty. Especially for me, I get another day to spend with my favorite heroes. #MyFathersWarBook. #ThankAWWIIVet #GodBlessAmerica