PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — After Florida Panthers fans rallied together, chanting "bring the boys back" after the team's back-to-back Stanley Cup wins, star players Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand all ended up re-signing.
Meanwhile, WPTV anchor and Navy veteran Mike Trim wanted to bring the Heroes Among Us back together as well.
At every Panthers home game in Sunrise, the organization honors a local military veteran called "Heroes Among Us".
At Mounts Botanical Garden in West Palm Beach, Trim gathered three local World War II veterans honored as "Heroes Among Us" during the Panthers' playoff run.
The three men, all 101 years old, were excited about the Cats' recent Stanley Cup championship
"We're going for the trifecta," said Richard Rossi of Port St. Lucie.
Rossi is referring to the hope that the Panthers can win three straight Stanley Cups.
Sydney Edson of Lake Worth Beach agreed.
"I was thinking if they win one more, it would be a dynasty," Edson said.
The bond is strong with these three veterans now through their military service and hockey.
"I was never a hockey fan, but now I am," Rossi said.
"It's very good to know that some people went through all the things that you went through," Edson told Trim.
"I lost my best friend there," said Rossi, referring to their service with the Army Air Corps in the European Theater of World War II.
Even though they're grateful to be called heroes by the Panthers organization, all three veterans are cautious about that title.
"Yeah, the only heroes are the ones that didn't make it," Alfred Haworth said.
Rossi said his heroes don't wear capes, they wear dog tags.
Edson said he would have served again if called.
"I would, for one reason," Edson said. "To make sure those people who never came back didn't die in vain."
Rossi said the patriotism and thank yous mean a lot to the World War II veteran community.
"I see young kids, little kids, come shake your hands. It makes tears come to your eyes," Rossi said. "They're so appreciative of what we did for them."
These centenarian veterans are also appreciating their longevity. Trim asked them the keys to living a long life.
"Have a sense of humor," Rossi said.
"God's grace, love and keeping grace," Haworth said.
"Whenever anyone asks me, I just give them two words: keep moving," Edson said.
