When I came out of the Wal-Mart store yesterday I found this note on the windshield. Someone had no doubt noticed the POW license plate of my dad’s van, which I am driving as I ferry them on errands and to their doctor’s appointments. Obviously someone, in the spirit of the upcoming holiday, wanted to just say thanks and express their appreciation for those who have served our country in the military.My dad’s story is an interesting one. He was a waist gunner on a B-17. On one mission they had to ditch their plane in the Adriatic Sea because of engine failure. His last mission his plane was shot down over Austria and my dad was one of four, out of a crew of ten, that survived. He spent the remaining time of the war in a German prison camp. (You can read the pilot’s account of that July day almost 64 years ago by clicking HERE ).
When I got back to my parents house my dad was in a lot of pain so I took him to the VA hospital. Hard to believe the young guy kneeling in the photo is almost unable to walk now; his voice is weak and he can hardly hear.
This 4th of July I will celebrate the day maybe with a little more awareness of its meaning. The only time I ever saw my dad cry was when he talked about the day he was shot down. He asked me a question I couldn’t answer, “Why was I spared and my buddies didn’t make it?” Like the note left on the windshield, I want to say thanks to all who served.
