Barksdale Honors WWII Veterans and POW''s
By: Josh Marcisz
Updated: February 26, 2012
Over 700 hundred friends and family members gathered to honor 230 World War II Veterans and POW's at an annual luncheon at Barksdale Air Force Base. All branches of the military and civilian POW's were honored at the event that began with a 'Parade of Heroes.'
World War II Vets are now aging into their 90s and being urged to pass their stories to younger generations. Annette Barfield attended the luncheon with her father who served in the United States Air Force. She believes younger generations need to be more inquiring. 'He doesn't talk about it unless you ask him, but he's very proud of his country and what the Air Force did,' she says.
Walter Riley was living in the Philippines during World War II where his father was stationed in the U.S. Navy. The Japanese military captured the base and Riley's family. The family spent 3 years as civilian POW's before being rescued. He has been active in telling his story. 'Having been a child I like to go to schools and talk to them and say, you're 12-years-old and that's what I was when I was rescued.'
Barksdale plans to hold the luncheon again next year.
