World War II veteran takes special trip to Capitol
Bob Iams of Wooster, shown here with his wife Dorothy, is 97 and one of very few living area veterans from World War II.
World War II began in September 1939 when Germany invaded Poland, with an attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 signifying America's entry into a devastating world war that claimed the lives of an estimated 80 million people.
It didn’t end until September 1945, six years later, and thus, the celebrated end of the war nears its 80th anniversary.
Many 18- and 19-year-old men were called into active duty to fight and serve in World War II, many giving their lives. For those who survived, they carry those memories and a special bond among themselves.
However, with time marching on, those surviving members are now reaching an age near the century mark, and each year fewer and fewer of them are left to recall the horrors of that war.
One living member lives in Wooster, and Bob Iams, now 97 years old, was one of two dozen veterans blessed to experience the Holmes-Wayne Community Honor Trip to Washington, D.C. that took place Sept. 27-29.
Iams, who served in the Navy, was actually going overseas to serve in combat when the war ended, so rather than making a trip to fight, it became an endeavor of occupation in Germany.
He and his twin brother Bill actually made that trip together to serve their country, and their mother had to sign a waiver for them to do so.
As one of the surviving few World War II veterans, Iams was chosen to place the wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery during a touching tribute during the trip.
Iams said that moment was incredibly meaningful, one that brought him to tears during the ceremony and even pulled on his emotional heartstrings when the veterans were honored at a welcome home gathering in Shreve on Sept. 29.
“They had a beautiful wreath, and two of us got to take it up to the monument, and I was honored to lay it on the tomb,” Iams said.
He said it was intriguing to watch the current guards at the memorial march and guard the tomb, noting it was special to see how well they were trained.
“It’s amazing what they do,” Iams said.
At 97 years old, Iams had discussed taking the trip prior to this one with Dorothy, his wife of 65 years, but hadn’t ever made the decision to do so. He felt this year had to be the year, and he was grateful he did.
“It was everything I thought and more,” Iams said.
Dorothy Iams said it was exciting to see the trip finally come to fruition and said she was pleased he finally decided to go, noting it kind of brought everything full circle.
However, not only did he get to take the tour with a bus loaded with fellow veterans, but also there was a special treat in Washington, D.C. once he arrived. His daughter and son-in-law Brenda and John Walker from Pennsylvania were able to connect with the tour and spend time with Bob. They were even invited to ride the bus for the tour.
With Iams being a veteran of World War II, each moment like this one is precious for family and for the man who served during World War II with honor and duty to his nation.