Three World War II veterans turned a simple museum cookout in Northern California into something they will never forget. CBS News Bay Area's Rick Villaroman shows why their stories made the 4th of July celebration a lot more meaningful.

Santa Rosa

At a community cookout hosted by the Pacific Coast Air Museum in Santa Rosa, California, three World War II veterans—Ted Moneymaker, Hank LeCoban, and Don Orton—met and quickly formed a strong bond. Despite only meeting recently, the veterans, aged 100, 101, and 102, found common ground in their military service, with two having served in the Pacific and one in the European theater.

The museum event, typically a monthly fundraiser, became especially meaningful as the veterans shared stories and reflected on their experiences. Their connection underscored the enduring camaraderie among those who served, making the celebration memorable for all attendees.

WWII veterans start new friendships during July 4th celebration

been a tough year for him. He's been a tough guy to work with. He's been a tough guy to work He's been a tough guy to work He's been a tough guy to work with. All over that map and all over the country, CBS News follows the human sides of the headlines in our eye on us segment. We're right in your communities. To one northern California community right now where three world war II veterans turned a simple museum cookout into something that they will never forget. And the celebration is a little deeper in the heart. Welcome to Santa Rosa's hot dog Thursday. It happens the first Thursday of every month between April and October at the Pacific Coast Air Museum. It's a fundraiser for us and get the public out here, enjoy our aircraft, eat hot dogs, have a good time, enjoy the aircraft. The museum's unique collection features more than 35 authentic aircraft spanning from world war one to post Vietnam. It's a family friendly space where you can view up close the machines that helped defend this nation. But on this 4th of July, the real attraction are these three relics from World War II. Meet Ted Moneymaker, Hank LeCoban, and Don Orton, all of them with distinguished military careers. These guys were in the Pacific. I was in the European theater. I was in D-Day. And equally impressive is their age. Hank is 100, he's 101, and I'm 102. That's a long time to figure out how to order the perfect hot dog. Just mustard. Just mustard. How about a drink? What do you want? Oh, root beer. It doesn't get more American than that. And that's your nephew. Nephew, yeah. They sit at a small table, humbly reminiscing about their time in the military. You'd never guess. Well, we met yesterday. I know, but it still seems like you're old pals. Oh, yeah. It's the kind of camaraderie that only war can bring. And it's given them a language only they can understand. I can see they've been through a lot. Yeah. Yeah. It wasn't fun, was it? Well, we're all lucky to be here. Each of them, men of few words. And so for this Fourth of July celebration, I'll tip my hat, and you should, too, to these three World War II veterans and honor what seems like a lifetime friendship they found just yesterday. This is great to see these guys. I just met them yesterday. But we're old friends.

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