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We
were watching The History Channel at Grandma’s casita. It was a story
about the USS Enterprise being attacked. It was 1945. They were
describing acts of heroism that occurred. Stories of men risking their
lives staying with wounded comrades instead of swimming to safety.
Stories that never made the paper or were recognized, and which were
only remembered by those brave souls who dog-paddled in the waves next
to a burning ship three miles above the sea floor.
It
was one of those moments where my son and I were engrossed.
I
said, "Isn’t it funny, the only person in this house who really
understands what we’re watching, is asleep in his chair."
Grandpa
Tommy. Kansas farm boy, Junior Petty Officer on a rebuilt WWI destroyer,
operating as troop ship on the Pacific Ocean, docking only twice in
ports other than atoll island landings.
Now
asleep in his chair, 89 years old. He has no scrapbook of his service,
no contact with those of his caliber who went through the cauldron of
war, no medals or pins commemorating his contribution. The only souvenir
I’m aware of is his "coconut knife" U.S. Navy issue, which
he gave to his grandson. When the subject of war comes up his
light-hearted response is, "I saved the world."
It’s
his joke. It comes and goes so quickly. The subject changes and the
opportunity to ponder his answer disappears. Which is unfortunate,
because he, and countless thousands of others, did save the
world. Anyone who doubts Germany and Japan had intentions of conquering
us all is deluding themselves. Seldom has freedom and slavery, or good
and evil been so clearly defined. But at the time America reluctantly
joined the Allied Forces in 1942, it was not so clear; there were many
doubters.
Elected
leaders make decisions of enormous consequence. They put the wheels of
war, peace, conflict and resolution into motion. Korea, the Soviet
Union, Vietnam, Lebanon, Kuwait, Bosnia, Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq,
North Korea, Iran…China?
Elected
leaders ride into battle, voices loud, sabers rattling and flashbulbs
popping, on the backs of men like Grandpa Tommy who answered the call
and, if they are lucky, come home to the welcoming arms of a thankful
country.
Political
leaders are honored on President’s Day. Grandpa Tommy is honored on
Flag Day, July 4th, December 7th, Memorial Day and, I guess, every day I
draw a free breath. I’m proud and I’m gonna tell him I appreciate he
saved the world…soon as he wakes up. |
