Thank you to the Gazette and writer Bob Flahety for publishing and honoring a local WWII hero [“World War II sailor finally coming home to Holyoke,” Gazette, Jan. 27]. Your written words, coverage, and reporting not only helped bring closure to a family regarding their lost loved one, but proved to others that a country still honors our service veterans. As a daughter of a WWII veteran, I never knew or understood what my father experienced in his service in the European Theatre during WWII. He never talked about it or would answer any questions if asked. I now in my later years have had time to research and read more about historical events in American history and am very thankful for the sacrifices many have given so we can live our lives so well.

Laura Bogdanowicz

East Longmeadow