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A Letter from Arthur White
DATE: December 30, 2011
TO: MEMBERS OF TEMPLE SHAARE TEFILAH
SUBJECT: HONOR FLIGHT FOR SOUTHEAST FLORIDA VETERANS OF WORLD WAR II -TRIP TO WASHINGTON, D.C.
On November 5, 2011, I had the privilege of participating with other Southeast Florida World War II Veterans on a trip to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials dedicated to honoring the Veterans' service and sacrifice during World War II.
Our trip began as we entered the V.A. Medical Center located in Riviera Beach, Florida, where we were greeted by many people. We were treated to breakfast. Youngsters distributed bags to us that contained sandwiches, muffins and bananas.
We then boarded our assigned bus and were driven to Palm Beach International Airport located in West Palm Beach, Florida. A police escort led the bus to the airport where we were greeted by a Military Fife and Drum Band. Folks, ranging in age from babies to adults, were also in attendance to greet us at the airport. Many people shook our hands and thanked us for our service to our Country.
Overall, there were eighty-two (82) veterans and eighty-two (82) guardians (aides); an airline crew that included pilots and stewardesses; and two (2) doctors. Also, fifty (50) of the guardians were firemen/paramedics.
It was a day that I, and the rest of the Veterans, will never forget as an awesome, unbelievable and very well-planned trip.
GOOD WISHES TO ALL!
Your Past President,
Comment:
Years
ago, Arthur talked to the congregation about some of his wartime
experiences. If I recall correctly, Arthur landed in France on D plus
4, and his unit started inland. From what he said, I imagine that
they headed for Caen, France. He said that they saw bombers going
overhead and tried to count, but lost count.
[A history account includes the statement:
Augmenting the preliminary artillery bombardment, 2,077 heavy and medium bombers of the Royal Air Force (RAF) and United States Army Air Force (USAAF) would attack in three waves, in the largest air raid launched in direct support of ground forces in the campaign so far.]
When they got to
the
city, they found that bulldozers had cleared the street so that they
could drive through. They saw
some groups of people placing small crosses on piles of rubble where
people had been trapped.
United
Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.