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World War II vets needed

Register-Herald - 3/26/2019

March 25-- Mar. 25--They are called the Greatest Generation.

In all, 16 million Americans served their nation and the world during World War II.

According to the West Virginia Encyclopedia, a total of 218,665 Mountaineers served during the war -- the fifth-highest percentage of a state's population in the nation.

As of last fall, the Veterans Administration estimated that just shy of half a million WWII veterans are still alive.

"The young guys are 90 (years old) who were in World War II," said Chris Kappler. "We realize that once their stories are gone, all we're going to have down is just what's in recorded history whether it's a book, movie, or audio recording of somebody telling their story. Once those stories are gone, they are gone."

Kappler, along with his wife, Cindy, have founded the World War II Living History Foundation, and along with a slew of others, they will host the West Virginia World War II weekend on May 4 in Fayetteville.

While there will be re-enactors in costume, vehicles and other activities, the Kapplers, who operate Wild Blue Adventure, are adamant that the event is a celebration of the remaining WWII veterans and a way that those veterans can share their stories amongst themselves and with the general public.

"These are stories that people need to know about," Cindy said.

The Kapplers are inviting any and all WWII veterans who can come to the event. They said the veterans will be treated as VIP guests.

"If you want to be in the parade, we have vehicles to put you in the parade," Cindy said. "If you feel like you just want to come to the tent, talk to other veterans and let people come meet you, you can do that. If you would allow us to recognize you on stage, we can do that."

Cindy added that there are still so many WWII stories that need to be heard.

While at work at Raleigh General Hospital recently, she was able to meet a local WWII veteran who had volunteered for the service and spent 18 months on the front lines because he wanted to rescue his brother who had become a Prisoner of War.

"There are so many amazing stories out there about our veterans," Cindy said.

While many of the WWII veterans are no longer with us, she said that people will be surprised on how many are still around.

The festival will also highlight the war effort at home and the Kapplers are inviting anyone who was involved at all in the war effort or has knowledge about that effort to come to participate in the event.

Families of veterans are also invited to share their family member's story.

"Anybody that has any information, a family story, we just want to let them know this is going on and come and participate," Cindy added.

Chris was recently loaned a copy of "Young American Patriots," a large book with portraits and stories about West Virginia WWII veterans from each county.

"This book is as thick as any Bible," he said, turning through more than 1,300 pages in a yearbook of heroes, adding that other than Veterans' and Memorial Days, the region doesn't have any newsworthy events that celebrate the brave men and women of West Virginia who served in WWII.

"It's such an important war," Chris said. "All these wars and sacrifices are important, but World War II did so much to shape the modern world we live in."

World War II veterans interested in riding in World War II-era vehicles during the parade can contact PJ at 304-237-7965 or at petrajean27@gmail.com

Veterans interested in taking part in the Meet A Vet Tent can contact Brooke at 304-222-0244.

Any individuals with displays or booths which showcase West Virginia's role in the war, World War II items, or information supporting World War II vets can contact Ben at 304-640-6236 or morgan8n@yahoo.com.

-- Email: mcombs@register-herald.com; follow on Twitter @mattcombsRH

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(c)2019 The Register-Herald (Beckley, W.Va.)

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