Memorial Day - 2010
My father served in WWII and so did my Uncles Frank, Bill, Charlie, Tom, Wayne, Al and John. They didn’t talk much about those years. Whether that was a man’s world or the world of war I cannot say. Combined, these men represented the U.S. Marines, the U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy. I always wanted to know more about their service experiences but I respected that it was their topic alone to discuss. I respected that and them.
As a child, I wondered how my grandmother and grandfather could stand them being away and in harm’s way for so many years. My mother told me that she wrote daily to my father, her brothers and her brothers-in-law when they were in the service. She told me that after I asked her, “Mom, why don’t you write so-and-so a letter” when she voiced not hearing from some distant friend. Her response was that she didn’t want to because it reminded her of all the letters she penned during the war. I understand that better now; some associations are powerful in the way they tear at the heart in its delicate places.
Who doesn’t hear songs popular during a war and not feel a tug of sorrow and pride at the heart? World War II songs always make me cry. “I’ll be seeing you” and “I’ll be home for Christmas” are just two which fly to mind alongside the memory of my mother humming sweetly as she wiped down the kitchen table, “God Bless America.”
Maybe this is a sentimental side of me. Maybe this is my growing older and more appreciative of what was long ago and far away for all of my uncles have died. Maybe this is just my heart voicing the love I feel for these great men who made my life special, who made our country great, and made me feel comfortable being around men since I was just a little girl.
June 2nd, 2010 at 8:13 am
Amen!
This past week, I spent three days in Normandy, retracing with our guide, the American and Canadian battles at Omaha Beach, Utah Beach, and other small towns where brave men died to preserve freedom.
We ended our days at the American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach, where lie over 9000 men. I took many photos of those marble crosses and Stars of David, each marking a life of bravery. I felt small there.
Big men. Brave men. Tremendous Americans. All of them.
Memorial Day was several days away when we were there.
June 2nd, 2010 at 9:48 am
Cheri,
How marvelous that you were in Normandy to experience the brave spirit that continues to live and that you were present to. It must have felt so powerful.
I actually know a woman, elderly now, who as a young nurse cared for the soldiers in battle there. I sit large-eyed when she speaks about it.
I also love how our lives intersect in these ways, Cheri. Are you home with Judge Blah now tending to your garden?
June 3rd, 2010 at 8:08 am
Hi Mary Jane,
I am home! Developed a very bad respiratory infection in Paris but kept going there and to Normandy. Didn’t want to miss a thing. Arrived home in bad shape, but thanks to antibiotics, I am on the mend.
I have so many blog posts in my mind, but no energy to write. This weekend, I need to muster ALL my energy because I am taking care of my grandsons for 4 days. Judge Blah is working but promised to come over on the weekend and help.
My last paper is due on Wednesday and then I am FREE academically until JUNG in July!
Wish you lived closer. I think we’d be good friends…
June 3rd, 2010 at 12:25 pm
Oh no, Cheri, sorry to hear that because it feels exhausting to suffer respiratory infections and with so much pressure with academics and grandchildren. Do not worry about responding here until all this is behind you!
Antibiotics is first line of defense, rest is the second but third defense and resolution will come when Judge Blah comes to the rescue with cold Chardonnay. I heard it through the grapevine that it produces efficacious results and quite immediately.
Where will you be studying Jung in July? Oh so wonderful and, yes, we would be good friends and we would invite Eve to come and explore the depths and we shall all wear hats!
June 6th, 2010 at 9:13 am
Judge Blah offered that remedy last night, but with my grandmotherly responsibilities still on the front burner and my immune system working overtime, I turned him down.
On the mend, happy to report.
We are studying Jung at St. John’s College in Santa Fe. I am so excited about this opportunity!
July 8th, 2010 at 8:24 pm
I loved reading this story about your uncles. My father was 19 years old when he was on a ship heading for D-Day in Normandy. He received a telegram that his father had died suddenly but there was no turning back. Unfortunately, he was at odds with his father when he left for the army. My Dad survived D-Day but I think the sudden death of his father always nagged at him. It was too bad his father did not see the man my Dad became. My Dad spoke frequently about being in the war. It was a “high impact” situation.
I often have admired his resilience at such a young age. I also came to understand that life can change suddenly and there is no “turning back.” I think we have to try to repair and resolve relationships while we have the chance. I think that was something my Dad taught me.
July 9th, 2010 at 7:13 am
Rose,
Was your father’s father living in Ireland? How young he was to lose his dad and with unfinished business, too, and yet we all leave this place with some of our lives unfinished don’t you think?
Indeed the war affected our servicemen and women. My own grandmother had to say goodbye to every son one-by-one. I don’t know how she could stand it except she had enormous faith and was never without a rosary in her apron pocket. I wish I could be one-half as good as she and you.