In keeping up with their annual tradition, the living veterans of the pivotal WWII 'Doolittle Raid' gathered to remember and honor their fellow soldiers whom lost their lives during the raid. However, this past Veterans Day Doolittle Raid reunion was particularly memorable and historic since it was announced as the final gathering. Following this last ruining, the surviving veterans of the Doolittle Raid would no longer officially meet, writing the final chapter in their story.
The surviving veterans of the Doolittle Raid include Richard Cole, 96, Edward Saylor, 93, David Thatcher, 92, and Robert Hite, 93. Unfortunately, Hite was unable to attention the reunion due to health problems, but his son Wallace was present to support and honor the Doolitte Raiders. The trio arrived at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force on Saturday where they were greeted by the warm applause and admiration of thousands of friends, family members, and citizens who wish to show their support.
Cole, Saylor and Thatcher sipped century-old cognac from silver goblets. The 1896 cognac was passed down from the Doolittle Raid while being saved for a special occasion, and I think it's safe to say this final reunion falls under the category of 'special.' "Gentlemen, I propose a toast to those we lost on the mission, and those who have passed away since: thank you very much and may they rest in peace," said 96-year Doolittle Raider Richard Cole as he held his goblet of cognac.
During the ruining ceremony, the names of all 80 Doolittle raiders were called out, with Cole, Saylor and Thatcher saying "hear" when their names were called. Towards the end of the event, 80 personalized silver goblets were displayed, one for each of the Dootlittle Raiders. With the exception of Cole's, Saylor's, Thatcher's and Hite's, the goblets were turned upside down to represent their passing.
The Doolittle Raid was a critical turning point in WWII. Just as the name suggests, it did very little physical damage to the Japanese military. The raid consisted of 16 modified bombers that took off from a sea-based aircraft carrier to bomb Tokyo, Japan. It was considered a suicide mission since the bombers wouldn't have enough fuel to return safely back to the carrier. And because of this, each pilot was given the opportunity to back down from the mission. Knowing this information, all 80 pilots agreed to risk their lives on the Doolittle Raid.
Although the Doolittle Raid has minimal impact on Japan's military, it was a striking blow to their morale, and it gave America the confidence it needed to continue pressing through WWII.
