Descendants CornerSpring, 2002Dear Descendants of 390th Bomb Group Veterans: The Descendants Corner of the Square J Bulletin was designed to set aside space each quarter to hear from and about the descendants of our Veterans. When our editor, Andy Anzanos, received word from Leah Delaney that there was not going to be an article this quarter, I was very disappointed. I am sure that I am not alone among members who eagerly anticipated hearing from and about you. I was hoping to hear a favorite story told to you during your youth or a favorite memory of a visit to the museum. Maybe a “battle-cry” from one descendant to the others, encouraging each other to step up to the privilege and responsibility given to you when you became a child with an honorable lineage. I was hoping to hear some funny stories told around the dinner table from a man you call Dad, or Grandpa or even brother and a man that our county calls Hero. In the spirit of “Pollyanna”, I hope that the lack of articles submitted is simply because you are still working on yours! We have a wonderful museum created by the men who flew those treacherous missions over Europe. Everyday we receive comments from our visitors on the tremendous effect that this museum has on their own lives, on their perception of World War II, and their appreciation of our freedom. It is not uncommon for people to visit our museum as a side attraction of a bigger museum that they initially came to see out of their love of flight and, because of our museum, they leave with knowledge of the sacrifices made by your dads, grandfathers and brothers. Every week we get tours of school children on field trips. Whether they are cocky teenagers or intrigued third graders, they now have an unforgettable experience to enhance the teaching done in the classroom. When opening the doors to our museum, it is easy to see that the museum has a heartbeat of its own and a presence from the past. The “heartbeat” that gives this museum life beats with the blood of our veterans. As with any heart, it will not beat on its own. I hope that you will accept the torch that your ancestry has handed you and carry on this important unending “mission.” We cannot let time and apathy destroy the memory and tribute to their sacrifice. We cannot let what they have done be in vain. Without action from those closest to our heroes, dust and rust will eventually win this “battle”. I am not a descendant. I wish that I were. I tease with Andy to adopt me. This would entitle me to the envied title of “390th Bomb Group Descendant” as well as an invitation to the Annual Veterans Reunions! Even if I could convince Andy to undertake a late in life adoption, (and that is late for both of us), it would not accomplish what I envy. It could not fill in those early years of daily life with a hero, like you had. Did you sit in a tree house with your brother as a child and share dreams and ideas? Did your dad tell the same story of flight in a B-17 so many times that you could recite it with him? Did your Grandpa cry as he showed you pictures of his fallen comrades? Please don’t let these stories die with our Vets. I am still not convinced that this adoption idea won’t work. After all, I do spend 5 hours a day sitting at a desk across from Andy and I eavesdrop on war stories whenever I can. I also had the honor of reading through his Combat Diary. That was fascinating! Peering into the war from the perspective of a young soldier was riveting. I wonder if you have some writings passed down from your soldier that you would share with us. Whether it is a picture, a letter, a story or your own experience, please send us your contribution to this highly valued section of the newsletter. You can e-mail your entry to Leah Delaney at descendantscorner@hotmail.com or mail them to us at the museum. I may not be a descendant, …yet… but I do cherish every moment that I get to spent with the American heroes of the 390th. I wait anxiously for you to share your cherished times spent with your American hero. With Great Anticipation, Cori
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