Editor:

I hope you have been reading the fine articles in the Casper Star-Tribune and letters of thanks about the Wyoming Honor Flight for the WWII veterans, the angels, caretakers, our governor and dignitaries on our recent trip. I second their thanks.

Please remember too that mothers and loved ones left at home between 1941 and 1945 were saving everything, all crucial things, like tinfoil and rubber bands. Gas, tires, sugar and shoes, to name just a few, were rationed. We were making bandages, entertaining the troops, in the VA Hospitals, the USO, the churches and anywhere else we found a soldier. We lived in fear of the dreaded telegram from the government stating that our dear one did not make it. And then, our letters were returned, stamped, "Deceased."

For the survivors, the Honor Flight was a most wonderful experience put together with lots of donated money, logistics and donated personal time. Audrey and I both donated some time ago to the building fund and it is a grand memorial. Audrey and I will contribute to the Honor Fund so more veterans can have this experience.

I have had some strange comments and been asked some puzzling questions about this trip. For those that felt it was a waste of money, it was all donated money and none was theirs nor the taxpayers. Granted, the memorial sits in Washington, D.C., but so do other monuments and the White House, etc.

And to those that asked me, how could I go shoot someone, my comment is, "Yes, it was terrible and I would do it again. Freedom is not free. Those folks were shooting at us to kill us. The Germans did not get over here to take any of our ground, but the Japanese did in the Aleutian Islands. Many were not able to dodge the bullets." Those that were the real heroes did not come back. After I got out of the hospital, I have had 64 years of freedom and safety for your wives, and mine, and our children and grandchildren.

We are Wyoming natives in our 80s. We love our country and yes, we would do it again. We are grateful for each and every day, and we say, "God bless you all."

ROBERT SPRINGER, Casper