|
As I've mentioned before, on June 5, 1994, I noticed some conventioners wearing ID badges that said, "D-Day 50th Reunion". Of course, I asked them if they stormed the beaches at Normandy. They said that they had, and that they were having their 50th Anniversary Convention at the Sheraton Hotel, directly across the street from where I work.
I inquired if they would mind if I stopped by after work. They said that they would be pleased to have me and to talk with me.
After work, I stopped by. Immediately, several asked me, "Where were you when we hit the beach?" Because of my then salt and pepper hair, I thought they thought that I charged it with them. My response was, "Don't let the hair fool you, I was probably sitting in my Mother's lap, because I was only two and a half years old at the time."
They then asked, "Then why are you here?" I said, "Because I'm in awe of you and what you did. I wanted to meet you and to thank you for it."
I then asked, "My Father never would talk about his WWII experiences, and I've never understood why." A man on the far side of the room said, "I understand. It's because we feel guilty, because the real heroes didn't make it back, and we did." It was survival guilt.
I also think that their memories were so horrendous that they couldn't, and didn't want to, talk about them. I've always felt that my Father was involved in the liberation of one or more extermination camps.
That thought was reenforced several years ago, when I read a Meridian man's obituary, which stated that he had been involved in such a liberation while serving with the 3rd Army. At the latter part of the war, Daddy was in the 3rd Army, driving his own jeep, delivering messages for General George S. Patton.
The Boys of D-Day invited me to attend their Saturday night banquet. I still regret that I did not go. That would have been the privilege and thrill of a lifetime.
The Boys of D-Day, of all people, recognized the significant contributions of those who died in combat. They would have been appalled by, and would not have accepted, recognition of all military personnel on Memorial Day.
Neither would my Father or those who served with him. Daddy's Puerto Rican best friend in the 3rd Army died in combat a day after WWII officially ended. They had not gotten the word that the war was over.
_________________
Jeff "Corky" East
Class of 1960
I thank my God in my every remembrance of you, Meridian, and the wonderful childhoods some of us had.
|
Login
FAQ
Search
