The World War II monument is finally a reality in all of it’s grandeur and a fitting location for our 61st Anniversary of being freed from a Prisoner Of War camp in far away Romania and our 35th continuous yearly reunion. For many of us the wait was worthwhile - - for so many who didn’t last to see it we know they are looking down on us with smiles because they know we have not forgotten them.

This year will be a little different. Our Association of Ex-POW’s of Romania will be sponsoring a gala reunion of Ex-POW’s in World War II and the ground crews who worked so tirelessly to keep our bombers and fighters in tip top shape to make sure we would make it to the target and return to our home bases. When a fighting plane did not return these crew chiefs and mechanics could not help but feel it might have been their fault the plane did not return. The parachute riggers, the medics, the record keepers, the cooks, those who fueled the plane, loaded the bombs, the armorors who so diligently made sure we had clean ammunition that would not jam our guns. Each man in his own way shared in the grief of the men who failed to return. We never had an opportunity to express our appreciation and thanks for their dedication and tireless
care for our safety.

It most fitting that after sixty years we meet once again in our Nations capital at The World War II Memorial Monument. A Monument that was created by the need to Preserve and to honor the men who fought the fierce battles - - with unbelievable human sacrifice - - to bring that most awesome global conflict to a speedy conclusion.