Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Veteran's Day

Our school had a Veteran's Day presentation today. The featured guest was Senior Master Sergeant James Haynes, US Army Air Corps. He sat there in the front row of seats in a maroon American Legion tunic, unassuming, quiet, just a little old man with a lot of history.

Towards the end of the presentation, we learned that he is a Bataan Death March survivor. The students gave him a standing ovation. After dismissal, I went over and shook his hand.

There are very few of that generation left. I am honored to have known a few of them, but very honored to shake Mr. Haynes hand.

2 comments:

Rivrdog said...

My late uncle, MAJ Leo Schneider, MC, USA was a Bataan Death March survivor. Not only the death march, but almost 4 years in the POW camp as well. He was the only doctor for hundreds of GIs, and had to learn improvised medicine, but DID.

Old NFO said...

Thanks for posting that Paw- We need to recognize them before they all die off.