Apologize to No One .
Hi ;
This was the name of a photo piece sent me by a friend . On European soil . Over 103,000 Americans Lie at final rest . This got me to thinking , so I will make it short .
I just turned 74 . That means the world was embroiled in a nasty business called war . Had been for a while . Then I was Born .
Not in a secure dwelling in the States somewhere . But on a ship . Leaking and shorter every-day on fuel , she was pushing through the seas trying to bring innocents from war torn Europe and Africa to freedom . Many were on board .Tired and hungry and constantly afraid , as they watched the look-outs scanning the sea for U-Boats !
The old girl , tired beyond her years , was 700 miles from that Freedom when the lusty cry of a healthy Boy child rang out in the Captain's cabin on May 11 - 1943 . One of three used for medical purposes on this voyage .
The captain , after getting the details , entered them in the log . Another starved , sick young woman to bury at sea , But the baby was fine . His tears stained the pages of the log book every day on this voyage . He started out with 1,800 refugees in Africa when he left port . This on a four hundred fifty long , " Tramp Steamer "
Now there were less than half remaining . Little did he know that this baby born so short a distance today , but seemingly forever miles from Freedom it seemed , would someday put on two different unifroms to serve under the Stars and Stripes .
Proudly too , I might add . Just think if there wasn' the war I would've grown up in maybe Vienna . But I grew up in America . The country who gave so many , and so much , that freedom would remain an expensive but viable alternative to what beset the continent later.
Why do we do this ? Because we are Americans , That's why ! May the many who came before , rest , knowing , that in my mind at least , their sacrifice was NOT in vain .
This is Memorial Day weekend . I will NOT celebrate it by buying new furniture , grills or cars . I will be putting flags on graves .The final resting place of many who felt like I do .
Thank Your GOD for freedom . They did their best , I am sure you out there who served did too . Thank You to those who have gone before , Thanks to my comrades in arms from my generation and Thank You to those who now serve .
You will be in my prayers if you found final rest or if you just need strength to go on . I love you all . Happy , But Somber Memorial Day ! Tanker - Builder