Remember World War 2 Survivors

Image by blahmni via Flickr

Last Saturday I met a Marine Corp Iwo Jima survivor. I was at a restaurant with my father, who also served in the Marines in WWII. The man was wearing a jacket and a cap that said Iwo Jima on it. I knew my dad was a past president of his American Legion Post so I asked if he knew that man. He said yes he did, and that he did fight on Iwo Jima. I have read books about it but can not imagine being there, and doing what they needed to do to survive.

I bought the man breakfast. It was the least I could do. I felt honored that I could thank someone in person for what they did so I could grow up in a safe and free USA.

My uncle just was laid to rest yesterday. He is buried with honors in a military cemetery. He never talked to me much about his military service, but one of his sons was saying that he talked to him a little about it. No one really ever knew this quiet man and the demons he lived with as the result of his service to the country.

He also fought with the Navy in the Pacific in World War 2. He was one of the early Navy Seals, or pre-runners to them. He would have to be on his own with the other men who survived until the Marines could come in and secure the islands. This is what my cousin told me. He said he was only 16 at the time (he had falsified documents to enter the Navy at age 15). I am not sure how many he killed, but he did kill. He lived a quiet life after the war, but a tormented one, too.

I know there are several of us who wished they could have known him better. I believe he is with the Lord now, and finally he can rest in Peace.

This video is a tribute to the men and women who continue to serve and who have served in the military. Thank you.