The year was 1945--and William Spurrier was a high-school graduate, drafted for Army service in World War II.

Like many other young servicemen, he would travel to Europe aboard the Queen Mary.   As an Army airman, he would fly thirty B-26 missions before the war ended.  Ultimately, he would also receive France's highest honor: their Legion of Honor medal, awarded to him and five other Southern Californians in 2015, for their WWII service.

As Memorial Day Weekend, 2016, began, Technical Sergeant Spurrier was once again on board the Queen.  This time, he was there as an honored guest.

The occasion: the opening of the new exhibit, "Passion for Painting: the Art of Winston Churchill"--on the eightieth anniversary of the Queen Mary's maiden voyage.

Sergeant Spurrier recalled life in 1945, aboard the Queen Mary as she transported U.S. troops to Europe.
This is a special Memorial Day tribute to our veterans, servicemenbers and their families.  As inadequate as "thank you" is going to sound--thank you.