Memorial Day

[Florence]

This Memorial Day I am remembering my Father and his service in World War II. He was a Merchant Mariner. He made the North Atlantic run to supply the British when they stood alone against Nazi Germany. He also made at least one run to Mermansk to supply the Soviets with tanks. They sailed in convoys to minimize the risk of being torpedoed by submarines. At least once, ships in his convoy were hit by torpedoes and he rescued men in the water by going around in a lifeboat and pulling them out. He received a Presidential citation for heroism. I never knew any of this until after his death. He never said a word about it. They really were the greatest generation.

[Mrs-M]

What a great way to remember not only someone so dear, Florence, but also a great way to commemorate the greatness and spirit, of a brave man with a rich-life lived.

[Cypress]

Thank you for sharing your story. I did attend my towns ceremony to honor the event. We had a small parade down Main Street with stops at several key points, the cemetary and finally the American Legion Post. I thought about all those who did not return and the family never knew what happened to them. When they fired the salute, I wondered to myself would I have had the guts to be in combat with shots fired at me. How did ordinary folks accomplish so much. We are fortunate to live among so many brave and capable soldiers.