“At midnight, I was officially 100 years old!”
The words were among the first Ray Moore spoke to me as we talked at a celebration in his honor in Aurora last Sunday.
In addition to his becoming a centenarian, the event also honored his World War II service, which included his being a tail gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber on D-Day.
It was a celebration of Ray himself, but also became a remembrance of all of the heroes of our Greatest Generation. The event was one where everyone, regardless of age, understood greatness and true heroism.
Moore recounted that he enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942, and that The Beacon came down to the depot to take his picture as he departed. He also recalled the difficult times of his younger years, which included the Depression, and floods and dust storms in Southern Illinois, where he spent some of his youth.
“It’s been an adventurous ride, with many ups and downs,” he said. “I tried to see the fun part of life, and I think the Lord has really taken care of me.”
Including the D-Day invasion (Moore later found out that his brother was below as part of the ground invasion) he flew 29 missions as a tail gunner, one of the most dangerous assignments.
“I can’t describe the feeling of going into combat. You know that you’re subject to being killed,” Moore said. “I don’t consider myself a hero.”
But all of the well-wishers in attendance, including some who gave heartfelt tributes, would disagree with that.
Mike Eckburg, commander of American Legion Roosevelt-Aurora Post 84, has become good friends with Moore over the many years.
“Ray has been a member of the Legion for 60-some continuous years, and we have had a wonderful camaraderie with him. His stories are amazing,” Eckburg said. “He ended up flying 29 missions because they needed him.
“But I’ve also enjoyed, for the past many years, his ability to volunteer his services and give to the community. As a railroad retiree, he would help with the Legion’s ‘Poppy Day’ around Memorial Day each year.”
But Eckburg also gave a salute to Moore as part of the heroic group of World War II veterans.
“It’s true that they are the Greatest Generation. They were all very vital leaders in the community in their own way,” he said. “They went back to regular jobs. I always look up to them and idolize them.
“It helped their children learn how to have love in your heart, to serve your community and to always give your very best. All of their stories are amazing.”
Aurora Deputy Mayor Guillermo Trujillo then thanked Moore on behalf of a grateful city.
“I can’t imagine all that he has seen and done,” Trujillo said. “Because of this, we enjoy the rights and freedoms we have. I can’t express enough our gratitude for his years of service.”
Mark Hernandez, of Fox Valley Marines Detachment 1233, represented the younger groups of veterans with their genuine tribute.
“We’re here as Marines to represent our detachment, but also to say thank you to a gentleman like Ray,” Hernandez said. “If it weren’t for him and veterans like him, our group wouldn’t be here. They are the generation that gave everything.
“I had the opportunity to go up into a B-17. It was an amazing thing. How Ray did it for 29 missions, I can’t believe what these guys went through,” he said.
Eckburg, perhaps, summed up what had become a memorable day of patriotism, pride and gratitude.
“Ray was my mentor when I decided to get back active in veterans organizations,” he said. “His stories are amazing, sincere and truthful.
“Ray was also a multi-decade president of the Retired Railway Workers Association, and he has blessed me tremendously. He is a fine example, and an icon in the veteran world and in this community.”
Tom Strong is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
