UMVA has learned that a veteran of World War II, Bob Yoho, recently shared a poignant reflection on the sacrifices made during the war, recalling the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
Yoho remembered the immense scale of the war effort, noting that a nation of 130 million people rallied to put 16.2 million men and women in uniform, with 440,000 making the ultimate sacrifice.
As he stood on hallowed ground, surrounded by the solemn reminders of war, Yoho's voice trembled with emotion, urging those gathered to contemplate the personal cost of conflict: "When you see a star representing 100 men, contemplate that each one of these people had an attachment to a mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister. They are our family."
The veteran's words turned to the Merchant Marines, which he noted suffered the highest mortality rate of any World War II armed forces, with 733 ships lost and a staggering number of lives given.
With a sense of reverence and gratitude, Yoho reflected on his own remarkable life, saying, "God is great and God is good and he kept this old sucker alive." As he approaches his 98th birthday, Yoho expressed his deep affection for the community and the values they represent.
His voice filled with conviction, Yoho declared, "I take no apologies at any time for the time I take to tell you, without you, this wouldn't exist," a testament to the enduring bonds forged in the fire of war and the importance of honoring those who served.
