Tarp said it was moving to see the veterans come together, as they leave an example in him developing to be officer.

“A lot of people don’t recognize these veterans and they don’t get the accommodation they deserve,” he said. “These veterans have made so many sacrifices for our nation and it’s just great seeing them all in one place … being commended and thanked for all their wonderful service to our country.”

During the ceremony, Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero presented two keys of the city to WWII veterans Eugene E. Bleil, and George “Jesse” Taylor.

Bleil, who served in the U.S. Army Air Corps, was a prisoner of war and forced into the Bataan Death March, about a 65 mile trek. The march spanned six days, where about 75,000 American and Filipino soldiers were forced to walk by Japanese soldiers and were repeatedly denied access to food and water.

He said some of the death march survivors got over their feelings to a degree.
“I don’t hate the Japanese,” Bleil said. “But many of the guys never did.”

Bleil said in his speech to the crowd they were “Reminded daily that they were going to be annihilated … the Lord was gracious to me and brought me home.”

Bernero, whose father, a WWII veteran, was in attendance, said it was humbling for him to be recognizing the veterans.

“He fought in the partisan against (Italian dictator Benito) Mussolini,” he said. “I know this will be a moving ceremony for him as well.”

Tarp said the veterans have inspired him to do whatever it takes to protect his country.
“They all did what they have to do for their country and it inspires me to do the same and make whatever sacrifice I can preserve this nation and its greatness,” he said.