Special significance
Naysayers often spout the line about the World War II Memorial being in the wrong place. "It's good to have a memorial," they say, "but it just ruins the National Mall." Their battle cry has been, "Save the Mall."
Kansas Senator Bob Dole who was a member of the so-called "greatest generation" and seriously wounded in that war replies, "We already saved the Mall, and everything else in town, too."
Most local veterans (yes, "most,") who served in WWII have joined comrades under the little green tents.
Those who survived came home to become 52/20 members ($20 a week for 52 weeks), go to college, or go to work.
H.W. "Bus" Sly of Marion was one who returned severely injured. As a member of 137th Infantry Regiment of the famed 35th Division, Bus was riddled by German machine gun fire at Metz, in France, on a significant day — Nov. 11, Armistice Day, 1944.
It's also significant to note that the 137th is the same regiment as Marion's famous M Company which fought in France, near Metz, in World War I.
Bus, like so many, is now gone. His son, Ken, now lives at Salina. He served, later, as paratrooper in the 10th Airborne.
Recently, Ken dropped by to see if the retired Ol' Editor plans on attending the World War II Memorial dedication. "Yes, if my health allows" was the reply. The check has been sent to pay for transportation.
Ken handed the former editor a box. It contained a WWII Monument cap. Ken said, "I bought it in honor of my dad and I'd be pleased if you'd wear it."
You bet. We'll wear it with pride. It has special significance.
— BILL MEYER
