Losing heroes: World War II veterans are dying away and need to be honored

Wayne County lost another hero recently.

Hallett Mayo, a World War II veteran and a member of what has been called this nation's "greatest generation," died at the age of 95.

You might have seen his obituary. He was a soldier in the First Infantry Division, Third Army, fought through Normandy, and was injured and taken prisoner in France. He remained a prisoner of war until he was set free by Russian troops on May 1, 1945.

Mayo was one of the last of his kind. There are only a handful of World War II veterans left in the county, and they do not get the kind of recognition they deserve, even in death.

Nearly two years ago, we lost Hugh Howard, another Wayne County boy who served his country during World War II and was a prisoner of war. He later was a chief master sergeant in the Air Force.

How many more will we lose before they are all gone?

All we know is that they pass and that we -- both military and civilian -- should honor them as the heroes they were.

We owe them everything.

Published in Editorials on May 23, 2016 9:40 AM