The recent passing of Mr. Claude Durham, the last living WWII Vet in LaSalle Parish, reminded me of the importance of spending time with elders and listening to their life stories. I interviewed Mr. Durham for an article for The Jena Times. I heard his accounts firsthand of how he and his brothers served our country with loyalty and sacrifice. His smile never left his face and even in his advanced years, his heart still beat with unrelenting patriotism. I left that interview feeling in awe of the sacrifice he and other veterans have given to our country. I still feel very privileged for the honor of meeting him face-toface and writing his story.