[SpitfyrAce]

I'm a huge fan of WWII aviation and love it when our pilot heroes are given their props. I'm pretty sure that the 56th Fighter Group was the highest scoring US group in WWII, but their mission was more of a search and destroy type, rather than straight bomber protection.

You are absolutely right about waiting too damned long to give these folks recognition. I attended the WWII Memorial Dedication with my family and was terribly depressed that my "war hero" uncle (combat medic, Pacific, Bushmasters) passed away just 6 months before. He planned on attending, but ended up going only as a glossy photograph. Why did it take 60 years to build it? Who knows - I'm just glad it's there now.

[jimfree]

You are absolutely right about waiting too damned long to give these folks recognition. I attended the WWII Memorial Dedication with my family and was terribly depressed that my "war hero" uncle (combat medic, Pacific, Bushmasters) passed away just 6 months before. He planned on attending, but ended up going only as a glossy photograph. Why did it take 60 years to build it? Who knows - I'm just glad it's there now.

I knew time was limited and pleaded with my Dad (Battle of the Bulge and other tales) to come out from California to see the Memorial. My badgering paid off and Dad flew here a couple Septembers ago. It was a joy to see him respond to the inscriptions and enjoy a bit of small talk with others of his generation. He's still around but slowing down. All ye who have WW2 vet relatives who haven't seen it and are capable of traveling to DC, please get them to make the trip. You won't be sorry.