May 8, 2015 is the 70th anniversary of VE Day, Victory in Europe, May 8, 1945. There were over 8 million Americans in World War 2 military service. Daily there are fewer and fewer WWII veterans.
There will be few celebrations or military unit reunions. For those of us who remember VE Day 1945, the celebration was a lifetime memory, shared by the entire nation.
Texans severed in every military branch in every theater. The Texas and Oklahoma Army National Guard became the 36th Division. The extent of their sacrifice is best described in “The Day of Battle, the War in Sicily and Italy,” by Rick Atkinson.
“From Texas to Rome,” by Fred L Walker is a gripping story of the Texas unit. Try Googling “Texas National Guard Burma” for details of the 2 Battalion of the 36th Division in Burma.
Very few of our current generation fully appreciate the sacrifice and courage of those WWII soldiers. Texans volunteered in droves. Over 1,000 Texas soldiers were killed in action.
Very few WWII veterans have spoken at length about their combat experiences. Now is time to help them record their stories for future generations.
How do we honor the few remaining WWII veterans? Seek them out on May 8th and personally honor them. Say a prayer for the many who have already departed. God bless them for their sacrifice and bravery.
Peter Maffit is a news contributor for Breitbart Texas.
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