December 10, 2017
Dear Captain Yellin,
I just received a message from Mr. Hegg and learned that you
entered hospice today. I am so sad to hear this news. One of the
highlights of my summer was meeting you at the World War II Memorial for Spirit
of '45 Day. It was such an honor to meet you -- I had read your book and
was in awe of all that you accomplished in World War II and since.
As you may remember, I have been working on a project for the
last 2 years involving WWII and ensuring that all that was accomplished by your
amazing generation is carried on and remembered by my generation. The
program is called iWitnessed -> iRemember and, as of two weeks ago it is now
registered as a brand new non-profit organization in the state of Virginia, dedicated
to remembering the stories, lessons, values, and skills involved with World War
II.
Your story is inspiring. When I first met you at the
National Memorial Day parade two years ago in Washington, DC, I realized it was
my generation’s responsibility to make sure that the Spirit of ’45 lives
on. Shortly thereafter, I spoke to my mentor, Mr. Jamie Sawatzky, about
creating an interactive experience for teens to learn directly from the
Greatest Generation.
I have worked through my Girl Scout Gold Award project to
preserve the wisdom of the Greatest Generation through a unique interactive
experience. It was designed to motivate teens to learn, appreciate,
and remember the people, the skills, and the values that led to the Allied
victory in World War II.
It is my generation's job to remember, to learn from, and to be
inspired by what you witnessed. After our discussion, I have been talking
about you and your story during my iWitnessed -> iRemember events and, with
your permission, I would like to feature you and your stories going
forward. I want you to know that I will do everything in my power to help
keep the Spirit of ’45 alive. Because our world will always needs
the Spirit of '45.
My generation is inspired by those who gave so much, like
you, so we can be free. The values that propelled the Greatest
Generation through tough times are values that my generation should identify
with and ensure they are in the forefront of our minds. Values such as
honesty, fairness, courage, strength, helpfulness, a sense of responsibility,
patriotism – these are values that are as important today as they were in the
1940s.
You'll be pleased to know that in girl scouting, indeed
through our Girl Scout Law, we pledge to carry these values forward. It
is our duty as scouts, it is our duty as Americans, it is our duty as members
of the last generation to get a chance to meet and to interact with the
Greatest Generation to remember and honor your spirit and sacrifice.
And we will.
Captain Yellin, I will always remember and be inspired by
you. Thank you for helping to save the world. I am so grateful to
you and will work to make sure that the good you brought to the world is
preserved. You are a blessing to me and to our world.
You witnessed, we will remember.
With warmest regards and much appreciation,
Madeleine LeBeau