Commentary: Vets’ trip to Washington was emotional

My father Shorty Hahn, Roger Erickson, Oren Hoback, Don Hansen, Virgil Kuskie, and Darrell Willoughby, all of Central City and all WW II veterans,  went to Washington D.C.on July 8 with 115 other WW II veterans from Nebraska to see the WW II Memorial and other memorials. Their ages ranged from 80 to 94.

At age 17, my father had just graduated from high school and left the same week-end for basic training in the army and served in the South Pacific under Gen. McArthur. Shorty had 5 brothers who served in the military. Dad's oldest brother Don served in the Pacific aboard the submarine "Raton." After the war, Uncle Don and his sub mates received medals of commendation. Their father also served our country in WW I. The point being is that all veterans felt a duty to serve and enlist to protect our country. They truly are "Our Country's Greatest Generation."

The trip was very sentimental for all the veterans, and deservedly so. They were treated royally for their service and sacrifice to our country.  Earlier in May, other veterans from our state were also honored with this same trip. Another trip for a new group is planned in September. I want to share this trip with you. We owe "The Greatest Generation" so much for their service and sacrifice for our country.

Personally, I can shed tears thinking about the lives lost and their sacrifice, love, and devotion they had for our country. Let us never forget the 400,000 American lives lost in WW II.   117,465 lives lost in WW I.  33,686 lives lost in the Korean war,  58,196 lives lost and listed on the Vietnam Memorial.  Currently, 4,118 lost in Iraq and over 542 in Afghanistan. Thank you to all US veterans of foreign wars for serving our country. Pray for all the veterans who have given their lives for our liberty and freedom.  

They had a banquet for them the evening before their departure from Lincoln. Ther governor attended and he went to every table to shake each veteran's hand to express his gratitude to them for their service to our country. On July 8, the wives had a luncheon at the governor's mansion. Each veteran was given a red WW II polo shirt and WW II black cap to wear for their big trip to Washington D.C. The veterans flew out early morning on July 8th, and returned the same day at 9:00 in the evening at the Lincoln airport.

On their arrival in Washington, a big welcoming crowd was there to greet them. The first stop was to spend time at the W II Memorial.  Senator Chuck Hagel, a Vietnam veteran, was there to greet the veterans. He received 2 purple hearts in Vietnam, and understands about American lives lost during war.  My father told Senator Hagel, "We'll see you again in 4 years?"  In other words, he should run for President.

Many tears were shed with memories of their friends who never returned from the war. They went to Arlington cemetery, to see the 300,000 servicemen buried there. It was with humility and prayers as they looked out at the thousands of white grave markers at Arlington. They continued on seeing the Korean and Vietnam Memorials, the Washington Monument, and they drove by the Capitol, the White House, and Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials.     

Remember, these veterans' ages ranged from ages 80 to 94. On the return flight home, a veteran, age 9, passed away 20 minutes before landing in Lincoln. His daughter had gone with him on the trip. Her interview on television indicated the peace she had knowing her father had experienced and saw Washington D.C. with his fellow veterans. She was so grateful for this trip. The veterans are thankful to Bill Williams of Omaha who organized the trip, and to the silent donors who so gratefully, but proudly, paid for their trip. Upon their arrival back at the airport, hundreds of people were greeting them, waving American flags, with 20 men singing "God Bless America." Wow! What a fitting tribute.

In summary, this trip was an emotional time for all the veterans.  Each veteran had individual private memories. Other WW II veterans who have not yet signed up for one of these trips, please do so.  You deserve it, and it will be a lasting memory for you.  Time is running short for our WW II veterans. Officially WW II ended in 1946, over 62 years ago.  Our world would be entirely different today without your sacrifices. You guys have always stuck together, and proudly so.  We will never forget you.  God's blessings and our love to all our veterans.  Thank you.



Douglas Hahn is a graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University. He has a double major in economics and business. He lives in Central City.