Dear Volunteers and Supporters of the E1 Restoration:
In 1946 or so, they made a movie called "The Best Years of our
Lives" Don't know if you've seen it? I've watched it many
times. It's the story of returning GI's transitioning to civilian
life, and their difficulties doing so.
Turns out, the war, with all it's death and destruction, hardship and
privation also had a positive side. It was living life to the
fullest, living with indescribable intensity, building friendships and
human bonds, that were closer than blood relations. And, it
lasted for a lifetime. The participants truly became a Band of
Brothers. And only they could understand this bond.
And, so have we. For the past year, and especially for the past
two months, we have forged that sort of experience, and, although they
were not shooting at us, we survived many physical challenges involving
unbelievably long hours, cold, rain, wind and darkness - while we
pursued our noble cause, of restoring an historic and very beautiful
airplane to a condition that would allow her to take to the skies one
more time.
Like WW II, this is a battle that we won. We were challenged on
every front, and we won on every front, winning on-time and in great
style. All of us can be proud of what we accomplished. And,
now that it is done, we can rest a bit on our oars, and savor the
result. No one can take what we have collectively done from us,
and no individual can sully the waters or tarnish the sparkling glory
that will be ours always - for - we have earned it.
All of us have participated in a life-changing and
never-to-be-forgotten experience. It is something that will
always be with us - always - and will be a source of pride
and satisfaction for all of our days. Not everyone has the good
fortune to ever participate in such an endeavor during their entire
lifetimes; to demonstrate and build the personal character that comes
with it; and to create memories that can be shared with friends and
grandkids alike for the rest of our lives.
Know that I will be eternally grateful, for all the tasks, big and
small, from people - some of whom I didn't even know - who volunteered
and stepped up to the plate, always, it seemed, at just the right
time, like God-sent commandos, picking up the torch and carrying
it for the next few yards or the next few miles. God Bless you
all.
Bob Bogash
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