"Freedom is not free"

The above quote is from Col. George C. Benjamin, Ret., age 96 and a resident of Auburn, Maine.  Those were last words spoken as the 5th Armored Division Association closed its 66th Reunion in Bangor, Maine this past weekend.  It was in reference to the more than 1,000 members of the Division that came ashore on Utah Beach, but did not make it home to enjoy the 1st reunion, let alone the 66th.  Sadly, those are also the last words that will ever be spoken in any official capacity by a member of that great and historic band of warriors.  They concluded that there were too few veterans and those that were still with us were too old.  So they decided their reunion over the weekend will be their last.  At least here on Earth.  Thank you for your service.