1948 -
Somewhere on the road south to the Florida panhandle.
Many who served in World War II were simple farm boys who'd never traveled more than 10 miles from home. My father had left the farm to live with friends in the city, allowing him to finish high school. Some of the soldiers and sailors had never owned a pair of proper shoes until their military service.
My dad was on ship in the Sea of Japan for the signing of the peace treaty a piece of history to which he will always be linked, even if it is only - "I was there."
The young men returned home after experiences (good and bad) that stagger the mind. My uncle returned to the peanut and cotton farm where he still lives. My dad returned to the city and started a family. They saved money to buy one of those small ranch houses built by the thousands for the returning veterans.
Plans were put on hold for awhile as he was called back into the Navy to serve in the Korean War. I never once heard my parents complain their lives interrupted. It was service to your country... a tithe for all the freedoms we enjoy.
I offer my greatest respect for my dad the veteran. He never had a high powered career or made a million dollars. He gave us so much more - a pattern on how to live your life - honesty, hard work, and charity - giving of yourself and your resources to help those less fortunate.
For a country boy, you "done good".
8 comments:
Zanne,
Your Dad sounds like someone I would be proud to know. I am so thankful for men like your father who served his country simply because it was the right thing to do.
A friend of mine told me about your blog earlier this year and I was hooked the moment I viewed my first photo. Your work is beautiful and I enjoy the commentary you provide. I grew up in central Illinois we lived in town but, the corn and bean fields were just a short bike ride away. I now live in southern Indiana but, a part of my heart will always love the openness and flatness of central Illinois and to this day I love the wind in my face and hair. Nothing beats a windy Illinois day in my book. Thanks for sharing your talent with all of us.
Blessing
Dana
What a nice tribute to your Dad on this Veteran's Day!
Thank you for such a fitting story today. I noticed a lot of blogs out there didn't even bother to mention that it's Veteran's Day!
Thanks for all your kinds comments.
Dana, I think when you live your entire life in Illinois the wind simply becomes a part of daily life. But you mention it, and I have to think about it...it's true the wind is an element like the flat landscape and big sky. So much so that when it is still I get apprehensive...there's a calm usually only before a storm, or tornado.
Very nice post. A familiar story- my father left the farm to serve in the Pacific. Thank you for remembering.
My uncle left the farm in Illinois to serve in Korea. My dad was too young when the war started and it ended before he was old enough to go. Sometimes I think he felt like he let his country down.
Great post. A handsome man and beautiful lady with you(?).
Zanne,
That was a very touching tribute to your dad. We are all assuming that baby is you. 10-4?
Ah yes...tis me! That sure gives my age away. HA.
When I grabbed this photo out of the old album to use for this post, the first thing I thought was, "Buy that baby some clothes"!!!!
This is the summer I got burned to a crisp on Panama City Beach. My mom was mortified, not realizing that even though I was under a beach umbrella I could still get burned.
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