After reading and seeing the pictures about the World
War II Memorial last December, I remembered the name of Ivan Bolton and
that reminded me of another time, when I sat in the barbers' chair at
Jimpy and Twid's barber shop! While my hair was being cut, I looked
straight ahead at the pictures of the men who were serving or had
served, in the war. The pictures were black and white, some fading into
a kind of sepia. The names of the "heroes" were on each picture. Some
had died in action. If memory serves me correctly, Faye Steward and
Carl Sheldon were among those who had fallen in action. Both served in a
tank battalion, I believe. It was difficult to imagine how they must
have died.
I sat there trying to visualize the experiences of all
those "heroes on the wall." I could see them sitting in the same chair I
was sitting in, when there was peace throughout
the land. Yet, when that peace was challenged, these men gave up their
"peace" so that we might have ours. As a youth, too young to fully
understand, I felt a companionship to those in the pictures. Some came
home. They didn't talk much of the war. Went about their business of
being part of a peaceful community. I considered myself protected by
these brave men.
Finally, I remember the families, whose sons were
serving in the war, hanging flags in their windows. I seem to remember
that the blue star was for those still serving. The gold star was for
those who had sacrificed their lives for us. Such an impact! "Lest we
forget," may we remember all of those who remained standing, and those
who fell, giving their all....so that we could have "all" we have.
God Bless America, God Bless Cedar Vale and God Bless All of You!
Don Shaffer
