Quinn Welsch
Editor
In September, officers of the local American Legion contacted me to do an interview with a local WWII veteran from Brusly.
I love to interview veterans. True, discussing war can be a difficult topic when it’s done frankly and honestly. But I have found that many veterans are eager to tell their stories, especially those in their later years.
Such was the case of Jack Sarradet. I was going to meet him on Friday morning, Sept. 22. That morning, I learned that he died at the age of 93.
Mr. Sarradet was a Marine Corps veteran who served in the Pacific Theater as an infantryman. I regret that I don’t know much else about his service during WWII.
Several veterans of WWII that I have personally known have died in recent years. This is expected, but it’s unfortunate that too often we are also losing the memories of the veterans of the worst conflict in human history.
According to the WWII Museum in New Orleans, less than 1 million of the 16 million men and women who served in the war are still alive. Keep that in mind this Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov. 11.
I can’t help but think we are going to lose something very important when there are none left.
Don’t be distracted by the President, the NFL or whatever politics tries to leech off of this national observance. Patriotism isn’t about politics. It’s what you feel in your heart.
Give thanks and be respectful, however that applies to you. Don’t worry about the rest.
