World War II veterans reunited after nearly 70 years apart

Updated
World War II Veterans Reunited After Nearly 70 Years Apart
World War II Veterans Reunited After Nearly 70 Years Apart


They hadn't seen each other for nearly 70 years, which made the moment these World War II veterans and best friends reunited particularly sweet.

Bob West told Fox News: "We had a good time together, him and I."

Joe Rodgers added: "I feel good that I got here, and I thank the Lord that I did because it's been a lot of fun."

West and Rodgers met as teenagers during the war. They fought together for three years, through four battles. After their final battle, they say they witnessed one of the most iconic moments of the war, the raising of the U.S. flag at Iwo Jima.

After the war, the pair say they double-dated for a while. They met the woman who would become Rodgers' wife in Los Angeles, and West soon moved to Detroit to start a family.



According to KVVU: "Joe married his wife on Valentine's Day in 1946 in Birmingham. A few weeks later, Bob took a bus down from Michigan to congratulate them."

Rodgers told the station: "When he left there, that's the last time I saw him before the day before yesterday."

The pair lost track of each other until about five years ago and have kept in touch online since then. Their children coordinated this long-overdue reunion to celebrate Rodgers' 90th birthday.

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