On behalf of all us veterans, I want to thank Maureen Baskin, chair of the veterans’ event, and the city of Kirkland for the hospitality they showed to the veterans on the 4th of July.

You and all of your staff are truly remarkable in the way you treated us and, I shall admit, enthusiasm and applause along the parade route from those in attendance was amazing.

You really touched all of our World War II vets, as many of them told me after the parade that they could not believe that the people in the city of Kirkland treated them with such respect.

These World War II veterans are our heroes as it was they who set the bar on how the military should act in a conflict.

I will admit to you that a couple of them told me that their eyes got a little misty at all the attention they received. Thank you for recognizing this greatest generation with dignity. I know the work and time it takes to put together an event like this and I’d like to again say thank you very much to you and all your Kirkland staff.

Bob Opple, Bellevue