Allen Humphrey
04-03-2014, 07:55
This isn't an '03 story so I hope you will forgive me, but the people I "know" best hang out in this corner of the forum. As Rick the Librarian knows, I grew up in a tiny little farm town in Washington State. The city population is less than 2000 so everybody knows everybody. A friend tipped me off to the following story about a fellow still living there today.
http://www.stripes.com/news/reunion-of-honor-brings-8-vets-back-to-iwo-jima-1.274613
The story incorrectly lists his home town as Dayton, Idaho but I assure you it is in Washington. However if you blink as you drive through town you might be in Idaho when your eyes open:)
Our little town, like most, was peppered with WWII vets including both my grandfathers. Most are gone, but I was fortunate to get to know many of them. Few spoke of their service. The town erected a very nice memorial on main street a few years ago that is disproportionate compared to the size of the town. All wartime service members (dating back to before 1900) names are added when they pass.
I happen to be heading back home this weekend to see some family. I might have to make a point of stopping at Owen's house and ask him about both of his visits to Iwo.
http://www.stripes.com/news/reunion-of-honor-brings-8-vets-back-to-iwo-jima-1.274613
The story incorrectly lists his home town as Dayton, Idaho but I assure you it is in Washington. However if you blink as you drive through town you might be in Idaho when your eyes open:)
Our little town, like most, was peppered with WWII vets including both my grandfathers. Most are gone, but I was fortunate to get to know many of them. Few spoke of their service. The town erected a very nice memorial on main street a few years ago that is disproportionate compared to the size of the town. All wartime service members (dating back to before 1900) names are added when they pass.
I happen to be heading back home this weekend to see some family. I might have to make a point of stopping at Owen's house and ask him about both of his visits to Iwo.