With the approach of December the seventh, the day that will live in infamy, I am reminded of the sacrifices of our fathers. To some of you reading this, your grandfathers. The generation that fought a world war against two of the greatest foes we have ever had to face. It took four years of death and perseverance but they prevailed. And then they returned to their farms and cities and continued with their lives. They gave birth to the baby boomers and presided over the greatest period of growth America has ever seen. Advances in technology, science and human rights unparalleled in history.
Of the over 16 million veterans of this war approximately 9% remain alive today. In 2011 it was estimated we were losing these heroes of the republic at the rate of 670 a day. My own father is among the honored dead. He left us in 1990. Today their median age is 92. In the not too distant future the last soldier of that mighty struggle will be laid to rest.
After the passing of my father, my Mom remarried. She found another to accompany her in life's journey. This man is a veteran of that war as well. His age, 92. His birthday is today. He was born in 1918. This man, Joe, served with General George S Pattons third army in the european campaign. He speaks little of this service and would rather dismiss the subject altogether. The most telling of his stories you can read in his eyes. He need not speak of the horrors those eyes have seen, or the fear he had to live with. A man of small stature and a docile nature. In the civilian world he played the accordion professionally as a member of a well known band. A musician ordered to be a soldier. He served with honor.
Pearl harbor is a memory burned into his soul. Burned there by the fire of combat. These men and their memories are fast leaving this world. Many of their stories have been written and preserved. Their efforts well documented. Joe has a daughter that will carry his memory with her. It is a sacred trust. I have preserved my fathers story for future generations. Each soldier,sailor,airman and participant in that conflict deserves that much. Reach out to them now before it is too late. If you do not record their story, at least present them with the opportunity to tell it. In my experience, most will not, it is their way. It is the way of our fathers. Do what needs to be done, and be done with it. Move on, don't forget, but don't brag either. Receive whatever accolades are offered with grace and dignity. Not demanding but always grateful.
And so I say Happy Birthday Mr. Joe. Thank you for your service to our nation. Thank you for paving the way to the freedoms we enjoy today. Your story will not go untold or unrecorded. Your sacrifice not in vain.
Of the over 16 million veterans of this war approximately 9% remain alive today. In 2011 it was estimated we were losing these heroes of the republic at the rate of 670 a day. My own father is among the honored dead. He left us in 1990. Today their median age is 92. In the not too distant future the last soldier of that mighty struggle will be laid to rest.
After the passing of my father, my Mom remarried. She found another to accompany her in life's journey. This man is a veteran of that war as well. His age, 92. His birthday is today. He was born in 1918. This man, Joe, served with General George S Pattons third army in the european campaign. He speaks little of this service and would rather dismiss the subject altogether. The most telling of his stories you can read in his eyes. He need not speak of the horrors those eyes have seen, or the fear he had to live with. A man of small stature and a docile nature. In the civilian world he played the accordion professionally as a member of a well known band. A musician ordered to be a soldier. He served with honor.
Pearl harbor is a memory burned into his soul. Burned there by the fire of combat. These men and their memories are fast leaving this world. Many of their stories have been written and preserved. Their efforts well documented. Joe has a daughter that will carry his memory with her. It is a sacred trust. I have preserved my fathers story for future generations. Each soldier,sailor,airman and participant in that conflict deserves that much. Reach out to them now before it is too late. If you do not record their story, at least present them with the opportunity to tell it. In my experience, most will not, it is their way. It is the way of our fathers. Do what needs to be done, and be done with it. Move on, don't forget, but don't brag either. Receive whatever accolades are offered with grace and dignity. Not demanding but always grateful.
And so I say Happy Birthday Mr. Joe. Thank you for your service to our nation. Thank you for paving the way to the freedoms we enjoy today. Your story will not go untold or unrecorded. Your sacrifice not in vain.
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