Jim Schratz, 91, didn't need a trip to the National World War II Museum to learn about the history of what some call "the war that changed the world." He lived it. He fought it.
“The big one," he called it. "World War II."
Schratz's daughter, Molly Costello, one of nine children, was able to take in some of the history with one of America's heroes, simply known to her as dad.
"We're just so honored to be here and see what he did,” said Costello. “We saw B-17. Amazing. He was the top gunner. So, we got some pictures of him in the plane."
Schratz and Costello are two of 150 vets and family members treated to a special charter flight by JetBlue airlines. The flight took off from New York’s JFK Airport and is JetBlue's way of honoring generations of veterans who have served, including deployments in Desert Storm, the Korean War and those who served during World War II.
“I can tell they're enjoying the day, and there's a lot of reminiscing,” said Jeff Martin, Executive VP of Operations for JetBlue Airlines.
Martin, an active duty military, was also the pilot for Monday’s flight.
“I think it's good for people to be able to share experiences and stories. And it's good for those who are younger to listen to them. And you get an appreciation for what they sacrificed," said Martin.
For Maurice Baroni, this trip is sacred. It was the American Army that liberated his family in northeastern France in 1944. When he came to America, he served in the field Admiral Division out of Fort Knox -- the division that meant his freedom.
"It's very special. To serve in the field admiral, and to have been liberated by them in 1944," said Baroni.
"There couldn't be a better responsibility than to bring that story to life for all Americans all over the country," said Dr. Nick Mueller, president and CEO of the National World War II Museum.
"To see all these men and women here, it's very touching. We owe them everything," said Costello.
No comments:
Post a Comment