Keeping the memories of WWII veterans alive
ROTTERDAM, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The number of living World War II veterans is declining rapidly with many of the remaining members of the Greatest Generation more than 100-years old. Now, a member of a different generation is on a personal mission to keep their stories alive.
His name is Rishi Sharma, and every day he meets with a different childhood hero. "It is such an honor to meet you," said Sharma, as he entered the home of WWII veteran Julius Boreali and greeted him. "I'm dedicated to interviewing WWII veterans as long as they are with us."
To date, Sharma has interviewed 2,200 veterans and counting, including Boreali, who celebrated his 101st birthday in December.
"I think probably a good thing I'm still alive to tell those stories," Boreali said.
"I'm looking across from a man who witnessed first hand the reality of 'Saving Private Ryan.' That's a movie everyone has seen and can't even fathom. Here I am, not even a foot away from someone who was right there," Sharma explained.
Boreali, who enlisted with the Coast Guard in 1942, is a witness to history and the bloodbath that took place on Omaha beach on D-day.
"I wouldn't want the younger generation to go through what I went through," said Boreali. "That's the number one thing. War is hell! And I don't want to see anymore wars. I don't want to see my grandkids involved in it."
For the last seven years, Sharma has been on the road for his non-profit Remember World War II and tracking down veterans like Mr. Boreali.
"Sometimes, when I lay in bed, I reminisce a lot about the days I was in the military," Boreali shared with us.
Sharma's interviews bring into focus the sacrifices made by a humble and hard working generation, ready to give their lives for the greater good. "They have been willing to carry the burden of killing the enemy, of seeing their friends get blown up, so we don't even have to imagine that," said Sharma.
The interviews in their entirety live online for families, students, and the world to hear history from the men who were there. "Their great-great-great grandkids will not just get to know Mr. Borealis's name, but the way he talks, the way he tells his story, his characteristics and his jokes," said Sharma.
His mission that started as a school project has now turned into a full blown passion to thank his heroes from the Greatest Generation for fighting for a better world.
Sharma's Remember WWII project is funded by donations. If you know of a WWII veteran and would like to get in touch with Sharma, you can contact him through his website or call/text 202-315-8743.