Veteran's Day, 2011
The evening began with a tasty Italian meal prepared by Peter Stratiev, a FC from our lodge who will receive his third degree on November 21. He is also the owner of Kabella's in Edmonds, something that has worked in the gastronomical favor of the lodge on several occasions. Entertainment was provided by a brass quintet from the UW School of Music.
Our speakers were three members of our own lodge who server during WW II. The first was Roscoe Mitchell, who was a gunner on a bomber flying our of Engand and over Europe. He recounted several amusing anecdotes from his training and the missions on which he flew.
Next was Warren Roundhill, a pilot who had begun his service with the English and later transferred to the U.S. Air Corps. He told how it felt to fight during this time in history and about the conditions under which they served. Of particular note was that he wore his uniform-- how many can still wear their uniform over 50 years later?
The final speaker was Arthur Shipe (left), who flew torpedo missions in the Pacific. His stories were facinating, beginning with the early years when the equipment often did not work, close calls, and successes as the war progressed. His stories of those who did not make it home were especially poignant. He brought with him quite a few artifacts, photographs, and magazine articles from that time.
We cannot overstate our gratitude to the men and women of the UW NROTC program, who joined us for the evening. These gentlemen and ladies seemed as captivated by the stories of our vets as were many of the younger lodge members. They were excellent dinner companions, well-spoken, impeccably mannered, and a lot of fun. They helped us honor three guys who richly deserve our gratitude, and their company enriched all of us. We wish them the utmost success in their careers.
