Dear Wally:

As Mayor Pro Tem, I have had numerous opportunities to speak to veterans groups and to take part in celebrating the courage, the dedication, and—yes—the sacrifices of those who have served our Country in the past.

I recently spoke to the U. S. Retired Submariners’ Association at their national convention here in Springfield.  I mentioned to them that we on City Council often speak of those who have gone before us.

We who are elected officials could not do what we do, had our veterans not done what they did in World War II, in Korea, in Viet Nam, and in various other “hot spots” around the world.  We in the United States could not have our peaceful transition of governments had we not suffered through and won the violent World Wars.

We who have been elected to serve the public have often commented that we truly stand on the shoulders of giants.  And there are no shoulders more gigantic than those of our World War II veterans.  The “Greatest Generation” truly showed the world how to define the concepts of courage, dedication, heroism, and—at home—the building of a great nation.

Wally, you are one of a number of veterans on the World War II Honor Flight.  This will be a wonderful experience to meet some of your fellow veterans, to relive some of the past glory of hard-fought and hard-won victories, but yes, to also remember those who did not come back from Europe, from Africa, from Hawaii, from Guadalcanal.

We are glad you came back.  We celebrate with you on this Honor Flight. And we will never forget what you contributed to the security and the well-being of our nation.

Sincerely,

Robert L. Stephens