As a poetic writer, it is sometimes difficult to remain attuned to one topic. Verses are often generated from random thoughts, comments from others, images portrayed or creative reflections of feelings to warm the heart and lift the spirit. It is not unusual to awaken in the middle of the night amid quiet whisperings that unless are written down at the moment fade as quickly as the setting sun. Such are the echoes that epitomize expressions of inspiration.While February is virtually known as the month of romance, it is also home to times of war. It is such times as these that now become the focus of attention. A strange topic for poetry some would say but poetry IS the icon of freedom - a unique form used to evoke emotive reactions. What more emotional times are there than those endured during periods of war? Why not weave some iconic webbing that tears at the heart of mankind?
History and Memory
"In the final analysis battles are won not by machines but my men trained to fight, wanting to live, but afraid to die. Iwo Jima has come to symbolize the courage and offensive spirit that brought victory to the Armed Forces of the United States in World War II."
—LtCol Whitman Barkley
On February 23, awaken to the recollection of one of the most memorable days in history. For 'tis on this day a flag was raised atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima. The year was 1945 during one of the bloodiest battles of WWII. The event and famous photograph have met both commemoration and controversy for decades.
Click to read the Story Behind the Picture.
Do you know of someone who was there? Perhaps that someone is in your ancestral chain and played a role on this significant day. For me, it was my dad!
Dad, I wish you had spoken of it. . .
It is not unusual for the sons and daughters of WWII veterans to know almost nothing of their fathers' wartime experiences. For the veterans who survived the ordeal, the memories are too painful. Most never talk about the battle(s) that haunt them to the grave. So, I invite you to share with me a time in the life of my dad filled with unspoken words.
Click the video link, unspoken words, for a tribute to our military and commemoration to my dad. . .
(Be sure to click the Full Screen square at the bottom right corner of the video.)
This is a beautiful and heartbreaking tribute to your father. I am so thankful for his service. Thank you for taking the time to write it, and for sharing. My grandfather was in the Philippines during WWII and my mom has almost no memory of him ever mentioning anything of his time there. It's so easy to forget what a hard-fought-for blessing our freedom is.
ReplyDeleteI think that these men must have felt that if no words were spoken, the memories would fade away. But obviously (in my father's case) they never did fade away completely. How difficult it must have been for them on specific anniversaries of battles. The movies that were made, and all the media attention must have been hard for these men to process. I've found it so difficult to watch such films as The Saving of Private Ryan, along with The Pacific war series. Living with that uncertainty of life over death must have been hell. I marvel at the strength these men showed by never letting down and speaking a word about what they went through. Thanks for sharing these very personal thoughts about your father and his service.
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