To Ben and all the other Vets...I know there are many
Veterans, besides just the 517th, who view this site. So, to all of
you who have diligently and proudly served America in uniform, I'd like to
add my humble "Thanks." It isn't just because we celebrate today as
the former Armistice Day, and the end of the "War to End All Wars," but
this is how I and all Americans should feel day in and day out, 365,
24/7. I will take the time today to sit down and read a few pages
from each of the 517th books I now own. Learning about the 517th
through reading excerpts from Paratroopers'
Odyssey, Battling Buzzards, and
517th Parachute Regimental Combat Team allows me
to further identify with so many who interrupted their lives in the early
1940s to keep me Free. Only those who are Veterans, reading this,
truly know and understand what those sacrifices were. To you I offer
not only my sincerest thanks but I offer my shoulder to lean on and I
offer a prayer in your support and good health. I feel that it is
necessary to mention that most of you Veterans hated war. How ironic
that in order for there to be peace we must submit to wars. You
Veterans, however, saw the need to act, and it is you who have seen
America's enemies up close. Today, and every day, I hope each
Veteran can take a moment to close his or her eyes and remember some
wonderful times of so long ago. God Bless You All!
Kenton Floyd Immerfall
Mary Jane Hanron
Dear Ben,
I am honored to say Happy
Veterans Day to you and Fran. I am so privileged to have met you and learn
so much firsthand about the Battle of the
Bulge, the 517th and World War II in general. You are offering
a priceless service to all Americans and all good citizens of the
world.
I use much of your teachings
and information provided by Mail Call in the classes I teach. So many of
the kids today have NO IDEA and this is causing them to have a different,
less favorable view of the US.
I would encourage anyone
reading this with even remote ties to children should make them aware of
the Mail Call and those who fought in it. Since you site is on the
internet, it is a natural source of information for kids since this is
their preferred medium. Any teachers should really peruse the site. There
are countless lesson plans that could be developed from its pages. Good
Luck everyone! As supporters of Mail Call, we all have a duty to use this
great resource to teach kids the goodness and strength of our nation.
After all, they are our future and need to know about history in order to
make informed decisions
I often use this quote with
the students: “Those unwilling to learn about history are dedicated to
repeat it.”.
Best,
