Parents have shared the following stories:
A few months after the tribute, Michael was in Cracker Barrel with his parents. He saw an older gentleman whom he thought was old enough to have served in WWII. Michael went over to the older man and found out he had served in WWII. Michael stuck out his hand and said, “Thanks for serving our country.”
My daughter, who hardly knew her Great-Uncle before the tribute, now calls him regularly just to talk with him, and learn about his life.
One student told his mom she should be patient while they were in the grocery line. Her son told her the old gentleman who was taking a long time might be a WWII veteran.
A mother and father told Mr. Hardwick how their son still talks about the tribute six years later. The student and veteran exchanged several letters by mail. The veteran is now deceased.
Parents have shared how this tribute has ignited an interest, not only about WWII, but about the history of their family.
Veterans’ comments:
After each program, veterans send “thank you” letters to the students. A booklet of the letters is given to each student. The following are quotes from some of their letters.
After the tribute, a veteran walked up to Franci, who sang The White Cliffs of Dover, and said, "Your song brought back good memories. I can remember listening to that song in England the night before I landed at Normandy (D-Day)."
“I was very proud to have the opportunity to attend your recognition program. As that was my first and only one to date, I was deeply impressed.”
“That was my first and only personal recognition.”
“Thank you one and all for letting us know that you care about our generation’s great sacrifices.”
“The students were all very open and friendly and they made us feel right at home.”
“Many of the fellows I visited with mentioned it was the best USO show they can recall seeing.”
Students have told me:
“My grandpa never used to talk with me, but since the tribute, he always talks with me when he comes over.”
“When I saw the look on my grandpa’s face when we were dancing, I knew we were doing a good thing.”
“I now listen to Big Band music with my grandma.”
“I got their autographs Mr. Hardwick because I saw the tears in their eyes, and I just knew they were heroes.”