A National Hero
The people of Les Ventes would help to get Billie’s grave decorated and maintained despite the fact that they were unaware if he had relatives or not. He would always be a memorable soldier that helped protect their town. Peggy would send flowers to the site ten times a year after finding out the location.
Paying Tribute
After finding of his plane crash, Peggy would regularly visit the site where it crashed. Peggy would make these frequent visits with Guy Surleau, who is the only living witness who saw Billie’s incredible deed. Guy says he could have been more help but Peggy says, “I like to think that he was still conscious enough to know that a friend stood by him,” a sobbing Peggy said. “And that this man is that friend.”
Closure, Finally
If Alton Harvey had never uncovered Billie’s military documents, Peggy would have never found closure. Although he ended up dying, she at least found out that it was for a noble cause. Peggy never remarried despite searching for her husband for 70 years and only being married for 6 weeks.
Love Conquers All
Peggy makes sure she visits Billie’s grave every day. “When people speak of closure, they are people who have never experienced anything like this,” Peggy explains. This is a true testament to what true love can do. Although her husband was gone for so long, Peggy’s love for him never died and hope was never lost until she found him again.