'Greatest generation' still making their
mark
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| September 18, 2012 |
By U.S. Senator Mike
Crapo
The phrase, “Kilroy was here,” with a cartoon,
is engraved on two remote spots on the National
World War II Memorial. This is found on the
memorial because American troops during World
War II used it to leave their mark in various
places they served. Today, it remains a reminder
of the permanent mark left by this generation of
Americans who fought to secure our freedom and
the freedom of millions of people across the
world and then returned home to build America
into the greatest country in the world.
Recently, a group of these extraordinary
individuals visited Washington, D.C. as part of
Idaho’s inaugural Honor Flight. Twenty-four
World War II Veterans from eight communities
across Idaho--Boise, Buhl, Eagle, Garden City,
Homedale, Kamiah, Meridian and Nampa--traveled
to our nation’s capital. During their visit, the
veterans had the opportunity to see the National
World War II Memorial, built to honor their
service and the service of their friends lost
both during and after the war.
The National World War II Memorial, dedicated in
2004, commemorates the service and celebrates
the victory of the World War II generation. It
honors the 16 million people who served, those
at home who supported the war and the more than
400,000 who died in the conflict. The Freedom
Wall, which is part of the memorial, contains
4,048 stars, one for every 100 Americans who
died in World War II. “Here we mark the price of
freedom,” is inscribed below the wall.
Among the fifty-six columns that are part of the
memorial, stands a pillar with "Idaho" engraved in
it.
Wreaths at the top of the column are
reminders that, like the other states and
territories, Idaho not only gave its citizens to
serve in the war, but also provided its
resources that supported America’s success. The
History and Culture section of the World War II
Memorial website has information regarding the
symbolism of the design of the memorial. The
memorial and the service of those it honors
remind us and future generations of the price
paid and continuing to be paid to safeguard our
freedom.
Nothing spoken, written, or even etched in
granite, can ever fully thank veterans for their
service. In President Harry S. Truman’s words
that appear next to the Freedom Wall, “Our debt
to the heroic men and valiant women in the
service of our country can never be repaid, they
have earned our undying gratitude. America will
never forget their sacrifices.”
Our freedom is
intact because of their efforts, including the
service of these 24 remarkable Idahoans.
After securing our liberty abroad, they returned
home and built America into the greatest nation
in the world--they did not waste time; they just
got to work. The sacrifices they made so that
our nation could succeed are inspiring. As we
strive to excel amid the challenges we face in
this ever-changing world, may current and future
Americans take their sacrifices and commitment
to heart.
The best way we can honor what they
have done for us is by following their example. |
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