The past few months of research towards this project has truly changed my understand of WWII and the meaning of sacrifice and freedom. I learned that every sacrifice is important and valuable, regardless of the time served or method of service.  Every soldier is worthy of dedication and remembrance.  I also learned that WWII was a time of uncertainty, where many families were put through the gut-wrenching feeling of not knowing if there child was still alive, and soldiers risked their lives every single day. Military families are just as deserving of remembrance as they support and have been personally impacted by the conflict.   Therefore, this website is dedicated to William S. Rollings and his family and the sacrifice they have made to protect and serve the United States during World War II. 

My most important source were the letters between Edward F. Witsell, an Army Air Force Major General, and Rollings' mother Ellen. These letter displayed the empathy from military officials and the reassurance they provided families of lost members. This series of letters truly encompassed the emotional impact World War II has on families of soldiers, and they helped me to understand what a sacrifice truly means.  

This project redefined gratitude for me.  I have most definitely taken for granted the freedoms and privileges I have today, and this project helped me realize the dedication and sacrifice behind these freedoms.  I have found gratitude to be not just "being grateful", but gratitude is a deeper understanding for why one should be grateful.  I am grateful for the soldiers who risked everything to defend the United States because the privilege I have today would not be possible without their service.