An emotional time, you bet! AWON (American World War II Orphans Network) members journeyed to the Philippines
to be with the fathers for the first time and introduce themselves. The time was solemn in their private moments at graves
or names on the Tablets of the Missing, but moments after the Memorial Day service concluded, they were all smiles. All were
in agreement that their trip to the Philippines and the Manila American Cemetery had comforted a lifelong hunger to see
and to know. The beauty of the memorial had comforted them tremendously and Patty Temte reflected.
"I have tried to keep a journal but words cannot describe the feeling or the sights I have seen. I will
have to wait quite a while after I arrive back home in Texas before I can express the impact of this trip. It has been totally
overwhelming and the trip has only begun."
Hats off to the staff at Manila American Cemetery for rolling out the red carpet and being the perfect host.
Members were astonished at the considereation offered by the staff; Supt. Larry Adkison; Assist. Supt. Hubert Caloud; Hermie
Lelix and Odette Velasco. The crew worked diligently ushering members to graves and walls where their fathers were honored
but the real work started weeks ago. Bert Caloud has been communicating with the AWON members offering each details about
their father's deaths and how temporary burials had taken place prior to construction of Manila American Cemetery. He has
filled their files with information and photos they desired. Hermie and Odette, well they seemed to everywhere, ready to lend
a hand, wipe a stone, find a wall, pull a stray weed, take a photo etc.
