19 Comments

Thank you for sharing. Deeply moving. And I've heard endless stories like that, but it always gets me. And yes, the "never again" was quickly forgotten by the current generation of sissies and bed wetters who shit their pants over the flu. Have no idea why we fought world war 2.

Expand full comment
Apr 26, 2022Liked by George Grosman

💔 Keep teaching us history Mr. Grosman. Perhaps we will not repeat it.

Expand full comment
Apr 26, 2022Liked by George Grosman

We stand on their shoulders and rise on their wings as angels, making the impossible they achieved the only reason we need to keep on their fight and raise ever higher their light.

When the day gets darker or when we're not but a few, thanks for remembering what they did and once again would do.

Expand full comment

Thank you for sharing this amazing story about your parents.

Expand full comment

This touched my soul. Thank you for sharing your memories. x

Expand full comment
Apr 26, 2022Liked by George Grosman

Hi George, As always a great story. Like many of us on this thread, we had Dads, Moms, Grandfathers & Grandmothers participating in the war. My father passed shortly after St. Patrick's Day 2021. Coincidentally, 8 days after receiving his 2nd shot of the Moderna vaccine. He was 87 and in good health, and that is another story for another time.

On the anniversary of his passing this year my brothers and I got together for a shot or two of some good whiskey, whereupon my oldest brother produced a box of Dad's memorabilia...

Inside was our Grandfathers WWII US Army Officer LTC Lieutenant Colonel Rank, Oak Leaf Lapel Pin & Field Manual… Worn and held by my Grandfather Donovan VB. His number inscribed by his own hand on his field manual was VB 4681. A little different than being branded on your arm by your enemy! He was 40 years old practicing law in Olympia, WA when the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor occurred. My father was 8 yrs old. when Granddad and his partner closed up shop and joined the Army to serve this great country and help defeat the aggressors. As you can imagine, my Dad was so impressed by the whole event. Watching his Dad go off to war and getting moved away from the west coast back to the mid-west, where he and his sister and grandmother would be safer in case of attacks, left such a huge impression on his young mind, that in his later years he would revisit the historical event with a passion. Grandfather never saw battlefield action, however, he did witness the effects of the atrocities of war on his fellow countrymen. After boot camp in Georgia, when every man was given their marching orders, they marched him back to the west coast to Ft. Mason in San Francisco to their legal department to help process the many men and women effected and injured by the war in some form or another.

He passed away in the late '70's when I was too young to really get to know him as an adult. However, when I came into my own, I was paid the highest compliment anyone can receive regarding a family member, by one of his comrades who happened into the outdoor sporting goods store I worked in at the time. I was impressed by this gentleman who was well into his eighties, wanting to purchase X-Country ski's to go into the wilderness for an overnight with family and friends. When he saw my last name, he asked if I was related to my grandfather! He told me he served with my granddad in the Army and was, "...One of the best men he ever had the pleasure to work with." That was all this young man needed to hear about his good ol' granddad. Now I have his cap and pin and basic field manual to hold with honor...Cheers!

Expand full comment
Apr 26, 2022Liked by George Grosman

Faith, courage, and empathy. Hard times train our species toward better traits, good times lead us away, ironically.

Expand full comment

They sure don't make them like this anymore. Beautifully written. Thank you.

Expand full comment
Apr 26, 2022Liked by George Grosman

This was so good to read! Thank you George…thank you!

Expand full comment
Apr 26, 2022Liked by George Grosman

Wonderful way to honor your parents and the greatest generation. Can't wait to read the next chapter.

Expand full comment

Beautifully written, George. It's not simply a case of "Never forget." Never get callous. Never get used to it.

Expand full comment
Apr 27, 2022Liked by George Grosman

Yes, Love your family stories George and the historical perspectives. Keep ‘em coming!👏🏼🇺🇸🙏🏼

Expand full comment