My Father was a man of VERY few words, and while we did spend time together while I was growing-up, I always wished and longed for MORE time. Although he was always totally encouraging of the various antics and pursuits which I attempted to follow, he usually remained somewhat aloof and partially distant from me.
One of the topics that I tremendously wanted to discuss with him was his service involvement during the Second World War. Try as I might, he would, inevitably, refuse to discuss his Army years. One day, however, I received a glimpse into his past through the words and actions of my Mom.
Obviously, she was “moved” by my desire to understand my Dad’s reluctance to speak on this subject. SO…one day during his absence from home due to his work, she led me into their bedroom and sat me down. Quietly, she slid open the top drawer of my Dad’s dresser…a DEFINITE “restricted zone” for me.
She carefully set aside the handkerchiefs, neckties, and shirts in the drawer, and removed what appeared as an antique photo album. Then, sitting beside me, she began to unfold the mystery of my Dad’s Service Record.
With the turning of every page, my astonishment grew…as did my understanding of the reasons behind my Dad’s quiet attitude.
SWITCHING COURSES…
Recently, I received two messages via Facebook from two of my Friends who have never met. One of these messages comes from a woman who was one of my students on the East Coast back in the very early 1970’s. The second correspondence was received from a female acquaintance residing in our regional community. Despite the varied distances, both communications share a common thread. Allow me to explain.
The first communication concerns a tragic situation first described in 2010. It refers to the Darkhorse” Third Battalion, 5th Marines and their families. To quote my former student:
“We are asking everyone to say a prayer for the US "Darkhorse" 3rd Battalion 5th Marines and their families. They are fighting it out in Afghanistan and have lost 9 Marines in 4 days. IT WOULD BE NICE TO SEE IT ON EVERYONE'S PAGE...Even if its only for an hour…Thank you to ALL of "OUR" Service men and women. Sending prayers, strength and encouragement to the marines and other soldiers and their families who lost their lives, and to the soldiers that are still fighting.
R.I.P. Justin Allen 23, Brett Linley 29, Matthew Weikert 29, Justus Bartett 27, Dave Santos 21, Jesse Reed 26, Matthew Johnson 21, Zachary Fisher 24, Brandon King 23, Christopher Goeke 23, and Sheldon Tate 27.... All are Marines who gave their lives for us ....for our freedom! There's no media for them at all... not even a mention of their names. Please keep these soldiers families in your prayers. SEMPER FI”
The second message, from a Friend closer to home, came as a response to a request.
As many readers and Friends are aware, as a result due to a meeting between myself and a (then) “casual acquaintance,” I became aware of the abandoned cemetery and its military Heroes interred at Turnersville. As I have previously noted, a number of Early American Military Heroes lie forgotten in these gravesites. Among these fallen Heroes are Veterans of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, as well as the War of 1812. Records of their interment, as well as their military exploits are, at the very best, extremely minimal. They are, according to local, regional, and national records, simply forgotten.
My request for assistance in chronicling and bringing remembrance and honor to their efforts has, thus far, been unsuccessful. The second communication I received indicted that, in the responder’s opinion, local Veteran organizations are ”… much too busy to add yet one more thing to their plate.” Further explanation was that few younger people are “willing to step up to the plate,” and the responsibility seems to always fall on the “same old people.”
RESPONSIBILTY: A SOMEWHAT COMPLICATED CONCEPT
If, indeed, as the message indicates, that, in that writer’s opinion, fewer younger people are willing to “step up to the plate” and become involved in providing support and recognition to our past, and present, American Military Heroes and Heroines, what is the cause of their non-involvement? Whose “responsibility” is it to educate these young persons on the rich heritage of our Nation? Moreover, does this responsibility not include the communication concerning those who have courageously fought, and in innumerable instances, bravely given their Lives to America?
In my humble opinion, the responsibility NEVER ends. It is a continuum, stretching from our Country’s earliest days, throughout generation after generation. Those who would, for whatever reason, willingly dismiss the crucial significance of this concept, undermines the basic foundation of who and what we are.
The same concept holds true for every aspect of our great society. Whether it involves the revitalization and maintenance of our precious historical venues, the support of local and regional business venues, or, as noted above, the recognition of valor: every aspect of our Culture intertwines. Together, all the multitude of variables weave together to form the kaleidoscope of America…its People, its Regions, its Values and Foundation.
The messages that I received recently from the two unrelated sources I described above, are, in the final analysis, not so very different. Both point to a common direction from which we should NEVER falter.
BACK ON TRACK
What I discovered that day while gazing at my Dad’s memoirs, was astonishing, and changed my interpretation of him forever.
Some readers may recall the movie, “THE DEVIL’S BRIGADE,” which gave the unadulterated history of the First Special Service Force by that name during the years of WWII. My Dad was a member of that elite Brigade. As such, he saw duty in North Africa (against Rommell), Normandy, France, Italy (he was one of the individuals who was responsible for “taking” Monte Casino), Anzio (where his Brigade preceded the Allied Forces, clearing the way for them), as well as many, many other involvements. His actions earned him innumerable medals and certificates, as well as a Purple Heart he achieved at Anzio. HOWEVER…due to the “secret” nature of the Devil’s Brigade, the members were required to agree NOT to discuss details of the engagements, etc. with ANYONE…including family members.
Unfortunately, Dad passed-away unexpected at the young age of 52. He had NO knowledge of what Mom shared with me that day. After his funeral, Mom passed on to me that album of memories, as well as congratulatory letters to Dad from several European dignitaries, including the King of Norway.
A few days ago, I received an email from a national organization reminding me that the anniversary of the Battle of Monte Casino is January 17. Of course, this “reminder” also indicated a tribute to the incredible involvement of my Dad’s Brigade in this battle.
BRINGING IT HOME
AS I have indicated previously, early last Spring I became involved in researching the Veterans interred in our local Espyville and Wilson Cemeteries. The services, courage, and sacrifices, related to these individuals are nearly beyond comprehension. Yet, similar to my Dad, the actions of these brave persons go basically unnoticed. WHY?
Could the lesson to be learned from all this have implication in our Lives today?
With all the turmoil now facing our great Nation and, indeed, the entire planet, perhaps we should take time to reflect upon the actions and sacrifices of our American Service Heroes and Heroines.
Maybe, just MAYBE, the possible positive result of their efforts is still to be found. And, once discovered, perhaps all our “wounds” could be healed. The answers lie silently hidden within the albums of our eternal Heroes…but, with effort, they CAN be discovered.
Mom: what you showed me that day so long ago truly changed my Life…forever.
And, Dad…I hardly knew you before that day…but, I do NOW! And, I will NEVER forget!