A Memorial Day Memory
We tend to celebrate Memorial Day with things of joy – music, barbecues, beverages, etc. In so doing, we often neglect to reflect on its purpose. It is to honor the estimated 1,185,586 individuals that gave their lives for our nation in the U.S. military (this figure includes those who died in combat and in non-combat related causes). With Memorial Day now behind us, I share a story of significance from an opportunity once gifted me. It was to attend a dinner with twelve intrinsic military heroes (the year was 2003). They were members of the Doolittle Raiders that bombed Tokyo just five months after Japan attacked the U.S. in 1941.
The aerial attack on Tokyo was of importance. It was to give our nation confidence that we could deliver on such an important mission – not only for strategic reasons, but for morale. The leader of this mission was from a nearby town – Alameda. His name was Jimmy Doolittle. His team was composed of 80 men. He was the only one who knew the target of the mission beforehand. It had to be kept secret from the team until they were at sea. They were all volunteers. Once told – they were informed that it was a highly dangerous mission. Many might die. They were given a chance to withdraw. None did. They stayed the course. Their performance in this raid was considered a success for our nation. It was a turning point for what led to eventual victory in the Pacific theater in World War II.
For decades after the war the veterans of this raid would gather for a reunion dinner. They were held in different parts of the country. The one that was held in 2003 was in the Bay Area. I was invited to join them. Most of the Raiders had already passed. Sixteen remained. Twelve of the survivors attended the dinner. When the men marched in the room they were accompanied by uniformed aides from Travis Air Force Base. Out of respect, they stood guard behind the chairs of each of the men during the dinner. Speeches were made and films were shown of them as they took off during turbulent weather on their critical military mission. I was privileged to be seated next to Lt. Chase Nielsen and his wife. He had been captured by the enemy and brutalized in a POW camp. Throughout the evening, I felt deep humility to be among such noble heroes.
After dinner we engaged in personal conversations among us. The most notable for me was with Richard Coe – Jimmy Doolittle’s co-pilot. Despite his age, he was energetic and regaled me with stories about the mission and his hero – Jimmy Doolittle. It was just five years ago that Coe died at the age of 103. He was the last living member of the Raiders. Now, with none left, what remains are our memories. This is why this one is shared. To be among these men was a privilege. They were true heroes. They have now all passed, as has Memorial Day for the year of 2024. It is important for the past not to be passed without sharing stories like this one among us. This article is written with remembrance and gratitude for those who risked their lives and died to keep our nation free.