By Nick Sestanovich

Two World War II veterans from Benicia shared their experiences in Liberty High School’s gym on Thursday morning.

All of Liberty’s students came out to hear Bob Hitchcock and Harold Bray speak, as did Mayor Elizabeth Patterson, Councilmember Mark Hughes, Benicia Unified School District Superintendent Charles Young, BUSD Trustee Diane Ferrucci and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Leslie Beatson. Both men were introduced by Principal JoAnn Severson— whose father had served in World War II— and English teacher Cliff Nelson.

“As an English teacher I was trained to encourage students to find primary sources, and I can’t imagine two more important primary sources for World War II than these two gentlemen who have so graciously offered to bless us with their presence here today,” Nelson said.Hitchcock, now 93, recalled how he was brought into the war through his local draft board and took part in a physical.

Source: Benicia WWII veterans share stories at Liberty High School