JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — They are called our Greatest Generation.
In the 1940s, millions of Americans fought for our country in World War II and protected the world from the Axis Powers. There aren't many WWII veterans left, but recently some of them came to Jacksonville as part of a military tour.
They're ready to depart their vessel. These days with walkers and wheelchairs, nearly a lifetime after storming beaches with a rifle in hand.
"We were the first going in when they had an invasion," recalled Preston Edwards, "the first to go in."
Preston Edwards joined the Navy in 1944. Originally from Asheville, North Carolina he will turn 99 years old in November, more than 70 years after he served on a landing craft support ship.
"We had a flat bottom and could go in five feet of water and we could drive right up to the shore and Marines and Army come in behind us," said Edwards.
On this particular day, Edwards is touring the Veterans Memorial Wall in Jacksonville. He likely fought alongside some of the men whose names are etched on this wall.
"I was in South Pacific, I was in Okinawa and I went ashore when the atomic bomb dropped," said Edwards, "I went into shore before it fell and melted down everything in that town"
The war, and the world, changed when that bomb dropped, but nothing will change the pride that Preston Edwards has for representing his country.
"It meant a lot, I was glad to do it and I'd do anything for my country," said Edwards.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, less than 1% of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II are still alive and an estimated 100 of them die every day. We're grateful for their service and proud to hear their stories.
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