It is in this month of May, 1994 that the world is celebrating the end of World War II in Europe. Many see it only as a victory of one side over another, and that is certainly true, but I think there is a lot more than that to be celebrated, and a lot more to be remembered.

I guess the first thing everyone should celebrate would be that, on 8 May 1945, the killing stopped. Those still living - on both sides - had a good chance to keep on living without the fear of bombs, bullets, torpedoes or anything else shortening their lives. Families in the rubble of what was left of cities in Russia, Germany, Poland, France, England, Italy and so many other countries could try to piece together what they could, and begin to try to build a new life.

Families in the United States, Canada, Australia and other lands who sent their troops into battle could now return home to rebuild, not shattered cities and towns, but lives and futures that could never again be the same.

It is true that the month of May denotes the victory of the Allies - but also the rebuilding, the re-birth of families and the beginning of international friendships that had grown and gotten bigger as the years pass onward. We see it during our gatherings in the USA and in Germany - men who would have killed each other without hesitation fifty years ago now enjoy fellowship with one another, a glass of beer - and the memories of their friends who did not return. It was the same on all sides - if you were in combat, you lost a friend.

Now is the time to remember those who fell in the ultimate sacrifice for their country; and the time to continue to build bridges between former enemies. I have said before, and it is my firm belief, that men who can sit and drink a beer together, share a joke together - and remember their fallen comrades together - are not likely to ever shoot at each other again.

BILL CUSTER to the ADVISORY BOARD

BILL CUSTER (1764-A/LIFE-1991) has been named to replace JUDE STACKPOLE (1334-+-1990) on our SHARKHUNTERS BOARD of ADVISORS.

WRITERS NEEDED

In this issue and in many past issues of our KTB Magazine, you've read great stories - historically accurate stories, of the combat that took place during World War II.

These stories are interesting to research and to write, and we sincerely thank our Members who have taken the time to do an article or two for our KTB Magazine.

We will be happy to accept and publish your stories here in our KTB Magazine. All we ask is ACCURACY in your research and in your writing. Leave out any politics and propaganda; we want the facts. As you know, our KTB Magazine and all the stories published in it are preserved in the archives of many nations and of many navies. I hope you'll put your story there, too.

ATTENTION VETERANS - No matter what branch of service, no matter for what country - we need YOUR own memories of your time in WW II. No matter where you served, no matter what was your participation - we want to preserve your story for all time. Please sit in front of an audio tape recorder and tell your story- or type it out; write it in longhand; chisel it in stone; any way that is easy for you, please tell your story - don't take it with you when you depart on your ETERNAL PATROL.

THE WORLD ALMANAC

I am absolutely amazed at the sudden and tremendous growth both in size & popularity of SHARKHUNTERS & EAGLEHUNTERS but apparently, someone thinks we are doing something important.

I am most pleased & proud to announce that SHARKHUNTERS and EAGLEHUNTERS will be featured in the 1996 edition of the WORLD ALMANAC.

To all our Members who helped us grow - thanks very much.
To our veterans who give us their memories of the War that we feature on our pages - thanks very much.

Personally, I am looking forward to getting a copy of this world-famous publication for our LIBRARY.