World War II Vet Visits Memorial
As we celebrate our nation’s independence on the fourth of July next week, one cannot help but bring to mind those rapidly declining members of the Greatest Generation who emerged from the Great Depression to serve and win that great global conflict, World War II, which was the most devastating war in world history with 50 million people killed worldwide.
American soldiers and their Allies fought to defeat tyranny around the world, while at home Americans sacrificed and channeled their might behind their armed forces, and together that Great Generation helped restore freedom to millions of people.
One of those soldiers and a member of that Greatest Generation is WW II veteran and Jasper County resident Cecil Amos, who served in the Army Air Corps and flew 33 missions across the English Channel as a gunner on a four-engine bomber.
On this past Memorial Day, which was also Mr. Amos’ 84th birthday, he celebrated with his family by taking a trip. The family decided a trip to Washington D.C. would be a good way to celebrate the holiday and his birthday, and for him to see the new WW II Memorial.
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The memorial was dedicated in May, 2004. It is located between the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial and reflects the importance of WW II in preserving and internationalizing democratic ideals and continues America’s story of striving for freedom and individual rights.
Upon arrival they purchased Mr. Amos a baseball cap that had “WW II VET” embossed on the front of it.
According to family members, there were large crowds in D.C. for the weekend, and the veteran cap drew quite a bit of attention. A lot of people would just walk up to Mr. Amos and greet him, shake his hand and thank him for his service, especially the Vietnam Veterans. But also a lot of children, whose parents had obviously taught them to appreciate the sacrifices of veterans and their families.
Fittingly so, and to memorialize the occasion, Mr. Amos was presented the flag that was flown in his honor over the Capitol on his birthday.
