World War II Veterans Meet 67 Years After Serving Together

U.S.S. Ticonderoga in World War II

Two World War II veterans, both who served on the U.S.S. Ticonderoga during the war, recently reunited by chance in a doctor's office in Leesburg, Florida. Ed Watkins, 86, and Larry Ashman, 87, had actually served in the same section on the ship during attacks by the Japanese.

On this particular day, Ed wore his "Ticonderoga" hat to the doctor's office where he was spotted by Larry's wife. Larry had accompanied his wife to the doctor, so the reunion then took place. Both men were flabbergasted that they had found a shipmate of their generation.

Here is a link to a news story done by Central Florida's Channel 13:

http://www.cfnews13.com/video?clip=http://static.cfnews13.com/newsvideo/cfn/ww2-vets-0325.flv

I must tell you that Ed is my father-in-law. I recently purchased the hat at the VA clinic in Orlando and presented it to him. Now I'm really glad I thought to do so.

Charles M. Grist
http://www.mylastwar.com/