We lose more with each passing day. Not only are these men and women true heroes, but they also have a wealth of experience to share with following generations.
I feel a sense of urgency sometimes, in working to gather as much information as possible before these experiences and memories are forgotten and faded. Having only discovered this forum less than a year ago, and becoming consumed with researching past history, I can't help feeling that I have arrived "late to the party" and most of the guests have departed long since.
How I wish I had paid more attention to those stories that I heard while growing up -- bits and pieces of the short career of an American airman, an uncle whom I never knew, who fought and died long before I was born -- who helped shape the world in which I now live. And I have so much to thank these men and women for, while each day there are fewer and fewer of them to thank.
To all: I thank you for your service. And I will never forget you. You will live on in my memory and the memories of all who honor you.
-- Alan
Nephew of Kenneth S. Starcher, B-24 Liberator pilot 42-73309 "Trouble Maker," 308th BG/373rd BS, 14th AF, CBI
(KNB May 28, 1944 - Kweilin, China)