World War II veteran gets recognized.
POWERS -- It was a celebration Tuesday morning at the Pinecrest Medical Center, as World War II veteran, Ed Flessati, got recognized for his service to our country. Ed has seen a lot over the years, but this ceremony by the American Legion and sixth graders from the Carney-Nadeau Middle School was one of his brighter moments.
"Boy, it really threw my heart right open to them," said Ed.
Ed has grown close to the kids by sharing with them the harsh reality of war.
"This means a lot to me because Ed talks about some things that he did in the war, and it just crushes my heart really, really deeply," said sixth grader Tristen Harper. It hits even closer to home for Tristen, as well, since he lost his father in Iraq in 2005.
During his six years of service, Ed was the recipient of seven Purple Heart Awards. The last one, however, cost him the most: the use of his legs. That isn't the most painful memory he carries with him, though. Ed held a fellow soldier during his last few moments, an event that has left unseen scars that hurt more than any physical injury.
"He died right in my arms," Ed said. "Oh, did that hurt. That hurt."
He holds nothing back from the students, including some of his narrow escapes. He recounted one tale of being stuck in a foxhole and shelled.
"All my officers were completely eliminated. I was the only one saved."
Fortunately, Ed's story has a happy ending.
"They said anyone who's been in the service that long deserves a bar on their shoulder, so they put a lieutenant bar on my shoulder."
The students also presented Ed with photographs from his visit to their school, keepsakes that he'll cherish forever and, hopefully, he'll continue to touch lives for just as long.
Tristen said it the best: "Ed, if you ever die, please tell God and my father that I love them very much."
Knowing Ed, he'll do just that.
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