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It was known as “Black Sunday.” On April 16, 1944; America lost some three dozen aircraft to a severe and unexpected weather front. One of those aircraft was a B-24 Liberator with 10 airmen aboard. The crew was returning to their New Guinea base after bombing targets near Hollandia according to reports. The pilot acknowledged an order to change course for a different airfield and the crew was not heard from again for 63 years.
On April 9th, the Department of Defense announced that the remains of those 10 airmen had been identified and will be returned for burial with full military honors. Included among those identified was Staff Sergeant Norman Nell of Tarkio.
In America we have a duty to remember and care for all of those who served this country and carried the banner of freedom. Not every soldier who serves this country participates in an epic battle. Every major victory though is made possible by soldiers who are simply doing their job.
No matter what battle they fought in, I believe we need to keep our commitment to all veterans. We have increased veteran’s funding by 80% since 2001. I co-sponsored legislation passed by the House to fix our veterans healthcare system after the abuses at Walter Reed came to light. We must never forget the promises we’ve made to those who have and currently are fighting for liberty’s standard.
I hope that you will join me in pausing to remember all of those that have served this country.
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