Major Cummings

This note came in from a longtime reader:

"I had the honor recently (Veteran's Day) of visiting a retired airman, one Mr. Cummings who lives down the street from us. I brought my daughter so that she'd understand the importance of gratitude towards those who've risked so much for her freedom.

To our great honor, Mr. Cummings turned out to be Maj. Herndon Cummings of the 477th (Tuskegee) Medium Bomber Group. He had flown missions in Mitchells and Mustangs over enemy territory. Major Cummings also engaged hostiles on this side of the front. Some missions were swift, one dragged on 50 years. Major Cummings emerged victorious.

By sheer coincidence, I had been telling my daughters about the Tuskegee airmen's legendary successes in P51 Mustangs flying return escort for damaged bombers. I was somewhat in awe when I saw a large photo of a Red-Tail P51 on his wall!

Major Cummings graciously set aside a few minutes for us. He still has a sparkle in his eye. As I told a friend of mine yesterday, I thanked Major Cummings from the heart for his service. Though I suppose the only real way to thank those who've risked everything is to raise my girls to appreciate those risks and to value what our veterans had defended."

Damian P.

Posted by damian at November 20, 2007 10:48 AM