Memorial Day / Honoring Those That Served

Today I went to the Klamath Falls Veterans Park for the Memorial Service to honor all who have served our Country but especially those from World War 2.I don't know why I just felt so compelled to go and see.  I was not dissapointed at all.  Mr. Joe Collins from the local VFW Post was the Master of Ceremonies. He gave a welcome and then the 173rd Fighter Wing Pilots did a flyby that was awsome!  There were plenty of people there and then a senior from Henley High sang our National Anthem.  His name is Sean Carter and he did a great job! Next a retired SGM Ron Ballard led with the Pledge of Allegiance.  It was just so cool to see all these patriotic people loudly say one nation UNDER GOD , I became emotional to think that there are those in this country who want that taken out.  The next speaker  was a World War 2 POW (1943-1945) survivor. Mr. Ralph Kesling.  He was in a plane and was shot down over Germany and told of his capture and conditions and later being moved to one of the Stalag Camps.  Then he was part of the death march across Austria which he called the Austrian Stroll.  One morning he woke up covered with 2 in. of snow. His legs were infected from the bug, lice and mice bites from the Prison camps.

We heard another amazing story of ret. Lt.Col Bill Harris.  He had been a fighter pilot and had over 33 successful combat fly kills and escaped the war unharmed.  He was one of over 11,000 planes we had and at the end of the war in 1945 there were only 1,000. 

I consider myself as lucky to meet these men and to shake their hands and let them know how thankfull I am for their service. 

Then they had all veterans of World War 2  come forward.  What a surprise to see so many from this area still living.

I tried to take their pictures but when I got home and put the chip in the computer I had no group picture.  What a shame.

This woman served in World War 2 as an Army nurse.  I am sorry I didn't get her name but she was so nice to talk to and I overheard her saying that anyone who didn't believe in

God was just crazy.

I came away from todays events a different person.  I have alway had great respect for all of our veterans, my era was the Vietnam War and America was not supportive of those men and women who fought that war and so they didn't return as heros but now I do believe that Americans

honor them as they should as our Countrys Best along will those that have served and are serving.  Remember that we have our freedoms because of all the men and women who serve this nation.

Another World War 2 veteran.