WTOL Editorial: Arthur Jibilian will be missed, must be remembered

www.generalmihailovich.com ^ | March 31, 2010 | WTOL Editorial

[Ravnagora]

WTOL

Editorial

Arthur Jibillian died last week after a long battle with leukemia. His inspiring story as a hero of the World War II Forgotten 500 rescue mission of downed American pilots has received a lot of attention.

I last saw Mr. Jibillian at a rotary lunch in his honor. He reminded me, one more time, to call him Jibby -- even though the lunch was about him, he didn't want to talk about that. Instead, he thanked WTOL for the attention we helped bring to this remarkable war story.

Jibby was a humble man. He wanted this story told so that everyone involved could be recognized. He told it with the dignity of someone who knows he serves a purpose greater than self-praise.

As I think of him now, I wonder if we will ever have another generation that so loved our country.

Jibby and millions of young men, including my father, volunteered to fight in this awful war. It was a selfless, patriotic act.

Most came back expecting nothing more than the opportunity to get married and to find a place in this wonderful country and now there are very few remaining.

They will be missed, they must be remembered.

*****

http://www.wtol.com/global/story.asp?s=12236302

*****

[Ravnagora]

Ping!

[fieldmarshaldj]

RIP.

[Bokababe]

Not sure if you caught it Ravs, but last night I posted a 30 minute video interview with Arthur Jibilian done before his death and released yesterday.

[Ravnagora]

Yes Maam! Thank you!

I posted that same video on www.generalmihailovich.com yesterday morning.

Halyard Mission Hero Art Jibilian live, on camera, "Lest we Forget"

I'm glad you posted it here.

This video interview of Arthur was done by filmmaker Vladimir Bibic who was at the "Forgotten 500 Reunion" in Michigan in June of 2009, for the "Lest we Forget" WWII Commemoration. That's where I had the great fortune of meeting Arthur Jibilian "live" and in person. I can't begin to express just how glad I am that I made that trip.

Thanks again for posting it.

Rav.

*****

[Bokababe]

Thank you for giving it context! I wasn’t sure where or when it was done, but I knew from the look of Jibby that it was fairly recent.

This interview had me in tears. They don’t make guys like Jibby anymore. These WWII guys had so much grace and honor — if only our politicians reflected those same qualities.