Thank You

Letter from the Editor

by Tim Holbert

For the tens of thousands of patriotic Americans like yourself who receive World War II Chronicles, it goes without saying that you believe in preserving the legacy of the World War II generation for generations to come. Unlike any other publication, Chronicles is devoted to letting the veterans of World War II share their own experiences, in their own words. The World War II Veterans Committee is honored to have your support in this effort, and we hope that you enjoy reading World War II Chronicles as much as we enjoy bringing these first-hand accounts to you.

However, there is so much more beyond the printing of this publication that your support enables the World War II Veterans Committee, and its parent organization, the American Veterans Center, to do. This support was most recently demonstrated as we put on the third annual National Memorial Day Parade, held along the National Mall in Washington, DC. Here, an estimated 250,000 spectators gathered to thank those who have served, and remember those who have been lost—all in the defense of freedom. The parade featured veterans from across the generations, and was covered by network and cable news channels and dozens of newspapers from around the country. It was also filmed to appear in the IMAX film, Proud American, set to be released nationwide in 2008.

The Grand Marshals of the 2007 National Memorial Day Parade were a contingent of our wounded heroes who have served in Afghanistan and Iraq, and were joined by actor and veterans activist Gary Sinise. The parade also featured Frank Buckles—one of only three remaining veterans of the First World War. The theme of the parade was a celebration of the 60th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force, with the event including such legendary aerial units as the Doolittle Raiders, Flying Tigers, and Tuskegee Airmen.

This celebration of America’s heroes would not be possible without the support of thousands of individuals who, like you, care passionately about honoring their sacrifices. Thanks to you, the National Memorial Day Parade has quickly become a tradition our entire country can take pride in.

Our mission to provide a forum for America’s veterans to share their experiences continues year-round. In addition to the National Memorial Day Parade and World War II Chronicles, our projects include the two weekly radio series Veterans Chronicles and Proudly We Hail, which feature the stories of American heroes in their own words. We are also currently planning our 10th annual conference, to be held Veterans Day weekend, at which our country’s greatest veterans will gather to share their experiences with hundreds of high school and college students, as well as an admiring public. Finally, your support also allows us to continue sponsoring periodic dinners for our wounded service members currently at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, giving them an opportunity to get away from the hospital to enjoy a nice evening out.

It is a tremendous honor to help bring the stories of courage and sacrifice of our nation’s service members to the public, especially today’s younger generations. And as we continue our work, we wish to thank you, once more, for your gracious support.