Gunfire. Engines sputtering. The thwack of a parachute opening. These are sounds that most of us will not ever experience, but they have had a profound effect on us and this country.
This picture is from the B25 "Pacific Prowler" I posted last week. Soldiers signed inside the bomb bay, and this is one of the inscriptions that got my attention. I do not know what happened on that October day in 1943, but this inscription filled me with all kinds of emotion almost 65 years later. I cannot imagine what these airmen went through that day, and it would be foolhardy to try and understand what they felt. I can imagine the anticipation felt the night before the mission. I can sense the nervousness as the wheels left the ground. I'm sure the fear sucked these soldier's breath away once they realized their plane would not make it.
I do not know what happened, but I am thankful for those soldiers who risked and possibly gave their lives that day so you and I could still be free today.
To all of our veterans and current soldiers serving in the military, I want to say thank you. Your sacrifice is greatly appreciated and this country would not be what it is without your willingness to serve and your unselfish attitudes.
Thanks.
Just a note: I had hoped to post this on the 65th anniversary of this event, but my week caught up with me. So, you get it three days late. Sorry.
Good reminder of how much we owe to our veterans & active military.