Photo by Jean Parker
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The great force of history comes from the fact that we carry it within us, are unconsciously controlled by it in many ways, and history is literally present in all that we do. - James Baldwin.
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“My Uncle Ellis was at Anzio,” announced my father referring to the World War II battle.
It was 1970 and I asked, “Did Uncle Ellis ever talk about the war?
“No hardly at all,” stated my father matter-of-factly.
“Why not?”
“He did not like to talk about war.” stated my father matter-of-factly.
“Not even with you?” I asked. My father was in the Navy during World War II
“No, I was not in combat” stated my father matter-of-factly.
“Because it is terrible?” I asked.
“Yes, and people that were not there cannot understand.” My father turned to see if I understood.
June 6 was the 75th anniversary of D-Day and the youngest surviving World War II GIs are in their nineties. I am older than my father was when he told me about Uncle Ellis and I am starting to get crotchety. Worried we are getting too far from the war. Not war as glorious victory, but the war of pain and sacrifice. Who will tell the stories? Who will hold the center?
That changed when I attended a dedication of a beautiful Veteran’s Memorial this past Memorial Day. My son Evan was responsible for building phase I of the memorial as part of an Eagle Scout project. Two other Scouts completed phase 2 and phase 3.
My crotchetiness dissipated when:
Two young ladies from a local high school sang “My County Tis of Thee.”
A Vietnam Veteran sang “America the Beautiful.”
The United States flag was raised and the “Star-Spangled Banner” was played by a flute ensemble.
The Maryland flag was raised and “Wing and a Prayer” was sung a Capello by a Vietnam Veteran.
A succession of flags for the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Corp, and Air Force were raised and lowered.
125 names of veterans -including my father - interred in the cemetery were read.
The POW/MIA flag was raised and a wreath presented
The ceremony concluded with “Taps” was played by a local high school student.
I need not worry.
How about you? What changed your mind? Share a story!
