Cathy Benson | The Botetourt View

E.C. Westerman (right) of Fincastle and Leo David of Wales have remained in touch since Westerman was stationed in David's town in 1944.

This Memorial Day, remember those who fought and died, but also those who have served our country and many who helped others in the world fight tyranny and oppression.

E.C. Westerman turned 85 last week in Fincastle. The former judge and former commonwealth's attorney served his country during World War II. He had a special guest come and wish him happy birthday.

Leo David, along with his grandson Luke, came all the way from London to visit him. They brought with them a Welsh red dragon flag and a really good bottle of Scotch for Westerman's birthday.

David was a lad of 12 when he met Westerman. Westerman was stationed in Pontypridd, Wales, in March 1944. All around Great Britain, men and material were getting ready for the great land, sea and air campaign, Operation Overlord, which would take place June 6, 1944, on the coast of Normandy -- D-Day.

Westerman was part of the 3rd Army 119th Anti-Aircraft Artillery. A Virginia Tech cadet, he was called up along with the rest of the corps, and the class of '44 headed to the armed forces.

David's family lived within the chalk line where the American troops could intermingle in the little village near a former Catholic church that was no longer being used. The old church became the headquarters for Westerman and his group until late July 1944, when Gen. George Patton's 3rd Army was called into the stagnating battle in France.

Westerman and David didn't know each other for a long time, but they knew each other well.

"He would really chat us up," said Westerman of David, the youngest of three boys. David's father would have an open house on Sundays and allow the young servicemen to come in and visit the Welsh family. "They had a very nice time and discussed a variety of topics," David said.

After the war, Westerman headed back to the United States without getting back to Wales to see the Davids, but they kept in touch by mail all of those years. Westerman finished Tech, went to law school at Washington and Lee University and married Mary Ellen Boothe of Fincastle. They have two children, Marcia Neighbors and Curt Westerman, and three grandchildren.

David became a pharmacist. He has three children and seven grandchildren. Thirty-five years ago the Westermans visited the Davids while on tour of the United Kingdom.

All through the decades they wrote and sent cards at Christmas. When invited to come to Westerman's birthday, David and Luke came for a tour as well. After wishing Westerman happy birthday and having a good time, the David kin headed to Las Vegas.

David painted a picture of Pontypridd, where Westerman was stationed. The picture hangs in the Westermans' Fincastle home. David said at the end of the interview, "I have the title for your article: 'The friendship that lasted forever.' " Indeed, a special moment to witness a friendship that started when the world was embroiled in war and one that has lasted 64 years.