World War II Memorial

 


The World War II Memorial honors the 16 million who served in the armed forces of the U.S., the more than 400,000 who died, and all who supported the war effort from home.  The memorial has stones for every state and US territory involved in sending soldiers to the war.  The memorial consists of 56 granite pillars, each 17 feet (5.2 m) tall, arranged in a semicircle around a plaza with two 43-foot (13 m) triumphal arches on opposite sides.


We found Ohio without any trouble.  Not sure why, but a number of our vets were gathered around that pillar for pictures.  We were there to honor our WWII Vets.  We had one.  Think about ages.  If you entered WWII at 18 at the end of the war, 1945, in 2022 you would be 95.  

The Washington Monument is beautiful from the WWII Memorial.

Can you tell which one is mine?  iPhones can do some amazing things, but put in a setting sun, I don't think so.
We saw a lot of plaques and inscriptions.  We missed this one.  There are actually two.  But you have to look for them. This is not graffiti. Kilroy was a prominent player in the lives of our service men during WWII.



2nd Lt. Woody Walters.  Best friend, Best Man for my father at my parent's wedding.  Shot down August 5, 1944.  Captured by the enemy and served the rest of  the war as a POW.  Repatriated at the end of the war. We must never forget their sacrifices.  
It was raining, more of a drizzle than a downpour.  The group gathered and these three gentlemen represent the Vets.  From left to right they are Russ Sprang, OhioNationalGuard; Allie Schrader, USNavy; Jeff Lee, USArmy.

Allie Schrader was our WWII Vet.


This picture is special for a different reason.  The guy in the white hat and lady in red are volunteers for Honor Flight.  When they asked if we were there on our own, we told them we were part of a Vets To DC.  They were surprised because they are given information of all Honor Flights and did not know of our group.  They are simply there to welcome Vets and help them feel comfortable.  They do this completely as a volunteer service.  There are still people that honor our servicemen.  
I chose this picture because it displayed the location where we were but also the care afforded us, providing wheel chairs, hats, shirts, and even raincoats.  
OK, back to the "Feed Them" mantra.  And again, they found the best place.  This is Mountain Gate restaurant.  This is buffet service at its best.  

The best part of the meal, was the welcome by the owner.  She made us feel honored. They promised to do anything that we needed.  And they thanked us for our service.  Best thing.
And the food...  First, a trip to pick up my salad and soup.  Delicious.  Then back to the next line for main courses and veggies.  Then a waddle back to the dessert line to cause my pant's top button to pop.  

These pictures are not mine.  Battery ran out at the WWII memorial.
Back at the ranch, a full stomach, and music by Stormin Norman Chambers.  

Awards to some special people.
And a final pictures of the Blue Shirts.

This has been a great trip.

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