Excellent

A much loved uncle returning from WWII

Remembering my Favorite Uncle

by HarryT

Although you left us Over ten years ago I want you to know that I remember your service to Our county during WWII I was only three, I recall Mom crying on the telephone When Aunt Toni called and said, You had enlisted in the Navy Between mournful sobs, she Turned and said, “Uncle Stan is going to war.”   Though only 17, you told a lie on your enlistment papers My grandparents and aunts Were upset by your decision However, the family gathered They all tried to smile the day you left But tears flowed from the adults I thought you were great… As you walked out of the house, Sporting your navy-blue blouse Fluttering black ribbon tie and Those snug-fitting bellbottoms, Susie, the girl next door adored   You wrote they assigned you to A navy troop ship taking Marines To islands somewhere in the Pacific Radio operator was your job You never told us you were often in harm’s way At places like Tarawa, Iwo Jima and Okinawa When Mom received a letter from you Dom and I sat at the kitchen table and Mom Would read it. Your letters never said where You were or when you would be coming home There were often there were thick black lines Mom would have to skip ahead… You said life on the ship was pretty routine Except, of course, when Japanese Zeros appeared Then you had to run and shot your pom-pom gun   Dom and I would always write a letter back However, being only three and four years old, Our writing comprised pages of scribbles We insisted Mom put our letters in Envelopes and mail them… Don’t really know if she ever did We prayed every night with Mom and Dad For your health and safety and for all the ships And for victory over the fearful Japanese When the war ended, we all celebrated and Waited long, long days for your return I still remember your words when we saw you in Grandma’s back yard You opened your arms and hugged us The first thing you said was, “Hi Guys, thank you for your Prayers. I’m sure they helped Me to come back to you and the rest of the family.”   You were a great uncle, taking us downtown to Military parades on Michigan Avenue, to Lincoln Park Zoo and the Science Museum Doing other fun activities, swimming and Playing softball and basketball as we grew older Even let me drive your new 57 Chevy I don’t think I ever said this to you... Thank you for your service to our country, For helping to preserve our way of life, and For being a wonderful uncle. I will always love you And remember you.