The actual letter is in the mail, but I thought it would be interesting if some could share what there's look like, if nothing else but to inspire more letters.
Like so many others from your generation, I know you all served this country with honor and pride and I am extremely thankful for you. Your service provided this country, and the world, the opportunity to triumph over evil and demonstrate how the love of all humanity has no borders or political affiliations.
It is my understanding that you were part of the Army Air Corps. I’m sure you remember the theme song, “Off we go, into the wild blue yonder…..” and as a child attending a private school, we would have a Patriotic Program annually and sing each services’ theme song. To this day if I hear or sing it, I still use the words “Army Air Corps” as I never learned it with the words “Air Force”.
I’m sure that throughout your life you have travelled back in your memories, and thought of your friends, your fellow crew members, and perhaps even the occassional thought of a commander. It’s those kinds of memories which can take us back to a time when true friendships and the willingness to lay down your life for those friends made sense. It defined your character for the remainder of life.
While I have never met you Paul, and most likely never will, I am honored to be a veteran myself, but I also understand and believe that your war, so long ago, was the one that changed our world. And for that, I’m so grateful to have had the chance to write this letter of appreciation and gratitude for you.
I sincerely hope you find joy and pleasure onboard your Honor Flight, and that you are able to almost smell the memories of your earlier days. While I give my salutes sparingly these days, I believe you deserve a sharp and crisp one for your service and sacrifices.
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