Harry and I both come from families lucky in war. Harry’s father worked in an essential industry (steel) and so was required to work, rather than serve in the military during World War II. My maternal grandfather, too, was in the steel industry in the United States.
On the Barry side, British, my great-grandfather was known in the family as “The Old Colonel”. Descended from him, my grandfather served with great valor in World War I, as did his two brothers. My father was one of three sons who served in World War II. All three returned alive and lived into the twenty-first century.
And, it should be noted, my grandmother, Ruth Hanbury, was a nurse during World War I, meeting my grandfather in Salonika during the “war to end all wars”.
Those heroic ancestors knew many who were not as lucky… countless comrades whose lost lives we remember today.
After the war, where he lost a leg, but survived, Great Uncle Gerard was shot by a sentry and killed. We do think of him every Memorial Day. He died a soldier, by “friendly fire”.
We remember today the unfortunate, those who did not return. Let us also recall the many more lives lost by civilians, and pray for the brave Ukrainians today.
This officer returned home and continues to keep me safe. I am forever thankful that he is not one of those we grieve today.
Be safe, be well, be grateful. Slava Ukraini! Peace.
Very nice memorial. Did you imagine, when you were young that the human race must have learned from those two wars how to find a better way? I remember being very idealistic for a few short years.
Anne, what a wonderful tribute to our American and Allies fighters. My father was a soldier with troops that captured the hills of Solerno so D-Day could be successful. His troops trained for months in the northern African desert, left ships with their guns in water to swim to Salerno’s shore to take it. My father didn’t know how to swim, so only God knows how he got to shore to storm the city. I also have some silver matchboxes but we’re from my British heritage. I do have a copper cigarette case given to the troops by Queen Mary, I am thinking with Allie’s engraved in sides and corners. Will send you a photo via text. Thank you for your words and Harry, I am very proud to honor you as a soldier.
Very touching…… Including your comment about handsome Lt. Harry Weber.