Hiroshima...

[WILMASBOYL78]

69 years ago today the US dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. Three days later another bomb was dropped on Nagasaki...a few days later the war was over. I think it is important to remember these types of events, not because of the death and destruction they brought, but because they are an important part of our nation's history. About 500 World War 2 veterans leave us every day...it won't be long before none remain. If you know of any veterans from that era, take some time to visit with them and listen to their stories...you will learn things that are not in books or on the web.

Just last week the last remaining crew member from the Enola Gay passed away...

wilma <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomic_bombings_of_Hiroshima_and_Nagasaki

[L72copocamaro]

Great advice.

[Billohio]

I won't forget in 7th grade my history teachers husband came in to talk about Hiroshima. He was in the service and was there after the bomb. I can't remember the details but remember he was there or real near it. At the time, I didn't really understand how bad that had to have been. Probably not healthy for him either. I am pretty sure he has passed away

[Woj]

I had a chance to meet Paul Tibbets (Aircraft Commander of the Enola Gay) at the Cleveland Airshow many years ago. A very sharp guy. As 9/11 changed the world, so did these two events.

Good to remember this history.

Phil Woj. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif

[Lynn]

My Father died in the summer of 98 after multiple bouts with four different types of cancer over 14 years.

He was in occupied Japan for a year starting right after the war ended, having first fought in the Pacific theater and witnessing the horrors of war. He never discussed it, but it was clear there was a profound impact.

We have to assume the exposure to radiation was the cause of his cancers.

[TimG]

My dad was preparing for the first round in invasions into Japan in September of 1945. Of course, this event prevented him from flying over Japan for the first round of invasions.

[Verne_Frantz]

My Dad was exempted from service because he was working as a chemist at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in TN at the time.

Verne <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif

[earntaz]

Good one Wilma -- Earlier in my life I was stationed at Chanute AFB in Rantoul, Il. I knew a Mr. Herman Haag who was an aircraft maintenance instructor at that time. He was a top turret/flight engineer on the B-17 called &quot;Red Gremlin&quot; flying out of England -- Paul Tibbets was the pilot. There was a Chanute Open House going on and Mr. Haag introduced me to Paul, Dutch and another crew member (can't remember his name). We sat and talked for hours -- very memorable time ... The TAZ