Thank you for writing this powerful tribute to Earl’s service to our country and the life he built when he came home. Thanks, too, for asking the question of all of us “Have we done enough?”
I loved this piece - what an incredible story. My grandfather died before I was born, but he had similar stories from the Pacific (from what my mother could gather - he never talked about the war) and came home to a similar life of ag and volunteering in Appanoose County. That generation gave us so much.
Cheryl, what an amazing story. You’re a wonderful storyteller. My dad also turned 19 in France. He was an infantryman on the front lines from December ‘44 through to the end. One of the few from his unit to come home. And when he got back, he had done enough fighting. The most peaceable guy you could meet.
Thank you, Dave, for your kind response to the column. It means a lot to me! I’ve re-read Earl’s “interview” a few times over the years, and it is simply incredible to imagine how young men like him and your dad were able to come home, and for the most part, put these experiences behind them to live their lives. Thanks again!
A wonderful tribute…thanks very much.
Thank you for writing this powerful tribute to Earl’s service to our country and the life he built when he came home. Thanks, too, for asking the question of all of us “Have we done enough?”
Thank you, Kathi! I'm happy that it resonated with you!
I loved this piece - what an incredible story. My grandfather died before I was born, but he had similar stories from the Pacific (from what my mother could gather - he never talked about the war) and came home to a similar life of ag and volunteering in Appanoose County. That generation gave us so much.
Thanks, Sara! I'm so glad that it underscored your loving memories of your grandfather.
Cheryl, what an amazing story. You’re a wonderful storyteller. My dad also turned 19 in France. He was an infantryman on the front lines from December ‘44 through to the end. One of the few from his unit to come home. And when he got back, he had done enough fighting. The most peaceable guy you could meet.
Thank you, Dave, for your kind response to the column. It means a lot to me! I’ve re-read Earl’s “interview” a few times over the years, and it is simply incredible to imagine how young men like him and your dad were able to come home, and for the most part, put these experiences behind them to live their lives. Thanks again!