My father and father-in-law both served in WWII. Neither one of them readily talked about their experiences even though we made attempts to encourage them to do that.
After my mother-in-law passed away my father-in-law, Roger, began to spend more time with our family. We live in Minnesota and he lived in Arizona so we would visit him in the winter and he would spend several months with us in the summer.
One year he brought a box of older family photos and we spent time together getting names on as many as possible. We even met with his sister and got help identifying the ones he didn’t remember. As he and Ruth spoke about different family members long forgotten stories emerged and I frantically tried to write down as much information as possible.
The next winter when we arrived at his house he said he had a project for us to work on. He wanted to put together a photo album of his military mementos and photos. I jumped at the idea, hoping to learn even more of my husband’s family history.
What a precious time it was as photos and letters sparked remembered stories and he shared them with us.
One day as I sorted through some photos I found one that was a photograph of the Enola Gay. It wasn’t cut out of a newspaper or magazine article, it was an actual photograph.
I picked it up and scurried into the room where Roger was and said, “Roger, this is a photograph of the Enola Gay!” Yup, he responded as he went on with what he was doing. So I said it again, “Roger, this is an actual photograph of the Enola Gay!” To my surprise he calmly responded that he had taken it.
I will never forget the story that followed.
Roger had been stationed on the island of Tinian. When they first arrived there were Japanese hiding in caves all over this relatively small island and their job was to find them.
Weeks later a plane arrived and was parked off away from the others. Its crew kept to themselves and didn’t join in any of the activities or work on the island.
Naturally the other soldiers were rather miffed that they got out of all the work and seemed to have no responsibility for anything.
Finally the day arrived when the Enola Gay and its crew set off on its terrible mission – to drop the first ever atomic bomb on Hiroshima. It was only after their mission that the rest of them people on Tinian were told what they had done.
He said it was very difficult to be happy that the war was ended at such a cost. He was able to fly over Hiroshima shortly after the bomb was dropped to see the devastation.
With memories like this it isn’t difficult to imagine why most of them don’t like to talk a lot about their war time experiences.
On this Memorial day we are remembering all our family members that have gone on before us, but I think of my father and Dan’s father with extra fond thoughts, knowing that they fought to preserve our freedom.
Finding Joy in the Journey,
Phyllis
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Phyllis Sather
Proclaiming God’s Faithfulness at:
© 2012 Phyllis Sather
All rights reserved
Finding Joy in the Journey,
Phyllis
I would love to have the opportunity to keep in touch with you. Please sign up to be notified of new entries and to receive my Free E-zine. (Your address will not be shared)
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Phyllis Sather
Proclaiming God’s Faithfulness at:
http://www.Phyllis-Sather.com
© 2012 Phyllis Sather
All rights reserved
Contact me at: Phyllis@Phyllis-Sather.com
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12 Comments
What Joy Is Mine
Phyllis…a piece of history for sure. Its nice that he opened up and began sharing some of that time with you. Thank you for sharing this at WJIM.
Phyllis
I think many in that generation felt they just did their duty and didn’t even seek recognition of any kind. Quiet servants – good examples, huh?
Terry
I enjoyed reading your post, my Mom and Dad were both in WW II and never ever mentioned anything about it. They were so proud to serve our county although they never ever talked about what they went through. How wonderful that you have pictures to see and listen to the stories! Thanks for sharing this at Sunday Blog Love last weekend!
Phyllis
I can’t even imagine what some of the men (and women) who have served this way have faced. I know my father rarely talked about it and when he did he didn’t share serious things – just daily activities etc.
momstheword
Wow, isn’t it amazing the stuff you find out? My dad was actually AT Pearl Harbor when it was bombed. He also participated in several other engagements throughout the war. For years and years he never talked about it.
As he got older he began to tell stories of his experiences, including being injured when he was blown off a ship. But he felt that went he went through was nothing compared to those who “gave their all” as he put it.
Once the war was over he bore no ill will. He said that he had a job to do, to serve his country, and the soldiers had a job to do – to serve *their* country. And he said that was what they were all doing and that it wasn’t personal and that the war was over now.
Phyllis
Thanks Courtney. It is a treasure. Since all our parents are gone it is nice to have memories like this.
Courtney
Wow – what a neat story! My dad is a WWII buff and he will love this. I think it is great that you persisted in getting your father in law to share his stories. Clearly it took love and dedication for him to feel like opening up – but what a treasure.
Kate @ Teaching What Is Good
My dad seldom talked about his time in the war, at least not with us kids. He started to write out his story but never finished before he died. I’m glad you have some history from your father-in-law. Blessings to him for his service. Thanks for linking up this week.
Phyllis
Great! I’m glad they will enjoy it. I have more photos if they are interested. Mostly of Tinian.
Elizabeth
Wonderful post! Sharing this with my sons who are big WWII buffs! 🙂
Tamera in ND
What a wonderful piece on this Memorial Day.
Phyllis
Hey, is it really you? I miss you!