“Well, I had a great uncle who fought in the Japanese theatre, during the Second World War.  He was a soldier’s soldier.  As a veteran, we’ve all lost friends.  But it’s all about friends and family on days like this.  We’re very, very appreciative of the community coming out and supporting our veterans.  With veterans like Herb Hobler, it’s true that our generation indeed does stand on the shoulders of giants.”
— Lee Wofford, Master of Ceremonies, Plainsboro

 

“I was thinking of a lot of friends from over the years. Especially Thurman, the man I talked about today. We trained together, we served together, and he finished his missions, but was killed on the way home.  So he never became a veteran.  But I have kept in touch with his family for years, and I still get choked up thinking about him.
— Herb Hobler, Keynote Speaker, Princeton

 

“As Herb was giving his speech about his experience in the Pacific and in World War II, I was thinking about this being one of the saddest war stories I have ever heard.  It’s very sad, but at the same time, I’m very proud of his service.”
— George Wilcha, Lieutenant Colonel, Princeton University R.O.T.C.

 

Bill: “I was thinking about a young man who lost his life on a ship.  His name was Rex Connelly.” Adelina: “I was thinking about all of my uncles who were in World War II, and some of them did not make it back.  And I am thinking about my husband, who was in the Army.  I thought today’s ceremony was very touching and a very, very lovely commemoration of our country’s heroes.”
— Bill Hobbs and Adelina Harwood, both from Princeton