Mary Cole of Bridgewater, New Jersey is shown here surrounded by veterans at the WWII Memorial. Last year, at the age of 16, she organized a “Tour of Honor”, raised the money and brought 67 vets to the WWII Memorial by bus.

Joe Gromelski of Stars and Stripes who took the picture said “… it was done in honor of her late grandfathers, both World War II veterans, and her great-uncle, “Bud” Cole, who was one of the 67 visitors to the memorial…” “This is such a small thing for me to do compared to what they did,” she said. “I’m giving up one day, they gave up years.” As Senator Dole said to her,….”…we’ve got a future beause of what these older guys did ….. It’s a lot of good people doing a lot of good things.” Based in Washington, I get to see all the small and large efforts people are making on each other’s behalf. It’s gratifying and uplifting.

You all make our future look brighter and add a spring to my step as i walk out the door in the AM. Congratulations, Mary….you are a hero!!!

Veterans groups are featured in Jewel of the Mall: World War II Memorial book.