Thank you for your support of our vets

Recently the veterans organizations of Des Plaines held their annual Poppy Day. We were at various locations throughout the city and on several street corners.

I worked it at the main post office this year. As always it was a great experience for us. It not only gives people an opportunity to support hospitalized veterans but gives us, the veterans, a chance to meet and share some experiences with you.

I met a former sailor who served on the battleship USS Missouri during World War II, the ship that the Japanese signed the surrender on.

A woman proudly displayed her hand, which was missing a part of her index finger, and exclaimed "I lost that while building a B17 bomber in 1943." To her it was a permanent symbol of what she had sacrificed for this country and she was so proud of it.

And then there was the woman who took my hand and said, "Thanks to all the American soldiers who beat that madman Hitler." She had been conscripted into the Hitler Youth and hated every minute of it.

I met many other thoughtful and generous people too. So on behalf of all of the men and women who proudly served our country I want to thank them for their tireless effort. And especially those generous individuals who financially supported Poppy Day. The gifts you gave will be used for hospitalized and disabled veterans.

It was a privilege to serve this country then and it's a privilege to continue serving. Thank all of you.

Mike Lake

Vice commander VFW Post 2992 Des Plaines