I remember the stories that would be told by my dad at various times....usually after a few snorts under his belt, which wasn't very often, that would in some way convey the seriousness of war...the visual, visceral ways that young men would see life with new eyes, down the barrel of a Sten gun. It wasn't pretty. I heard about dad having to scoop up the intestines of his buddy and shove them back into his stomach cavity while he waited for a medic to appear out of the ravages about them. And through tears how another friend ended up in a tree nearby....well, a part of him at least. Not much was spoken of the war at home. Dad didn't like to speak of it. At one point, I remember him taking all of his medals and throwing them out. He wanted nothing to remind him of what had taken place for those nearly four long years. I often wonder how long it took dad to really become "normal" again and how much it affected him in ways I will never know about. He took much of those feelings with him to the grave. I wonder what I would have done, how I would have handled that kind of thing had it been me. I think, like he, I would rather have repressed those things than have to deal with them. Easier, I suppose. I remember him speaking of the various battles he was engaged in...the taking of the bridge in Remagen, the liberation of the starving Dutch people in Holland, the beauty of the countryside along the way....the hearing of Strauss music in a huge theatre in Germany. I suppose there were times when he could see things other than what was actually going on around him. So many didn't get to come home...but being that he did, I'm able to write these few things on here tonight.:-) That offer of sacrifice allowed me so much more than writing on a blog...it has given me freedom of expression and appreciation for our nation that stands proudly in the shadow of all those who fought against an evil in the world....not a people....but an evil. It's difficult to think about how the world would be presently had this evil been allowed to ripen and blossom year after year.
So, thanks Dad. I probably never really said those words like that while you were still here with me but I think you knew how much I appreciated you for what you did for me....and everyone else.
Here's to you Dad....for being valiant, courageous, afraid and undaunting. I salute you!
Dad, second from right, top row. "X" marks those who died.
Dad's flashing and mom's letter.
Dad right with his buddy.
Mother and Dad...just married... and Dad waiting to be shipped out.
We may make it to the ceremony at the armory tomorrow. It was worth the time spent last year.
