Above: U.S. Rep. John Carney, Sen. Tom Carper, former State Rep. Jerry Unruh, and Sen. Chris Coons appear together after the dedication ceremony for the World War II memorial at Legislative Hall in Dover, Del., Nov. 9, 2013. Unruh is a former paratrooper and combat engineer who served with the 82nd Airborne Division during WWII.
Surrounded by dozens of World War II veterans, Senator Coons honored the legacy of Delaware’s Greatest Generation in remarks at the unveiling ceremony for the state’s WWII memorial outside of Legislative Hall in Dover.
Chris spoke about the 33,000 Delawareans who served during the war and the millions who supported them from American shores.
“The Greatest Generation was led by, inspired by the brave soldiers who took up arms and fought for us around the world,” Chris said. “But they were supported, loved, and cheered on by a generation here at home – from children to seniors – who pitched in to do their part for Uncle Sam.”
Over the course of the war, more than 417,000 Americans lost their lives – including 812 Delawareans.
Chris closed his remarks with a reminder of the sacrifices made, not just by those fighting overseas, but also on the home front. He shared a story from Dover resident Bonnie Rorabaugh, who recalled her family’s meatless Tuesdays, ration books, rubber shortages, and the thousands of volunteers all over the country who stood up and did their part. Bonnie herself was a volunteer airplane spotter in Delaware City for two summers.
The memorial, which sits on Legislative Avenue between Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard North and South in Dover, is now open for public viewing.