On Memorial Day - His War
Every year since WWII, people have watched programs depicting war stones from that period. Although some are true, the real truth is that each person who was there, who participated in this moment in history, has their own real, personal war story. It was no different with Bill Lewis. I have heard some war stories, some from him and some from TV. However, my memory was confused about which stories I had heard from Bill. So, upon returning to my hometown, I stopped by to talk once again to my childhood neighbor Bill about HIS war.
Bill: Daily, the memories flood back, often at times when they are least wanted and thus blocking out important relationships, discussions, or, at the very least, quiet times for myself. They are haunting and unwanted, yet they are deeply embedded and so very personal. Because I was there, it really was me. Oh God, what friends I lost and the things I saw and did. I have settled it within myself a thousand times, maybe more, and yet the memories continue. How is it that I was the one to return while so many of my friends did not? Am I blessed or cursed with these memories?
As we sat and talked, it became obvious that he had not told much of his story to anyone but instead had lived with his memories for all these years. Bill's wife. Barbara and their son, John, listened when I asked him to tell of HIS war. After some coaxing, he said he had been in the European Theater. I asked where? He said, "Omaha Beach"~[long pause] After a moment, I asked when? He said, "On D-Day," In unison. Barbara, John, and I all dropped our jaws. It was obvious the flood of memories came back, and I could see his eyes tearing up. I asked what rank he was when he went in. He said, "PFC, I was a cannon loader on a Sherman tank." I asked what rank he was as the war ended. He answered, "Staff Sergeant in charge of three tanks," Barbara said that he must have done very well to get those promotions. With tears in his eyes, Bill looked at each of us and said quietly, "A lot of guys died."
His statement was simple but profound. "A lot of guys died." Take a moment of your time and think about this statement. Those who died were husbands, fathers, sons, and daughters who all had THEIR war. Amazingly, THEIR WAR and THEIR STORY, but it was FOR ALL OF US!
Too soon, we forget the price that was paid by so many. Too soon, we forget to ask about THEIR WAR. Too late, we take the time to listen. Maybe it's time for you to ask a Veteran about THEIR WAR. Memorial Day is a time for remembering and giving thanks to our armed services: those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.