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In My Dad’s Memory, for Veterans Day
While I was going through some of my mom's old photos recently, I came across a sketch that my dad drew of a fellow soldier during World War II (he must have sent it to my mom — she was a Navy nurse at the time).
I love the sketch for many reasons. Most of my dad's drawings and paintings from WWII are more serious — including a few combat paintings.
(Judging from the date, January 1944, this is before he got into the thick of things. Less than a year later, he narrowly escaped the Nazis in the Battle of the Bulge.)
I sense that the sketch captured daily life in the barracks in those days — falling asleep in uniform from exhaustion, with cap and boots still on. The bayonet hanging nearby. And that wonderful sign.
I love my father's artistic talent — I think I can almost hear his friend Dave snoring.
I love my dad's sense of humor. He died when my brother and I were kids, so I think we must have inherited it, rather than it rubbing off.
I know this post isn't really nature-oriented, but…
In honor of Veterans Day, here's to everyone who has served our nation — including my mom and dad.
6 comments
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Thank you for sharing this, Jim.
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Wow! a gifted artist…a front line soldier and part of the Greatest Generation. Thanks for sharing this special post Jim
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Love this post!!!
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Thank you Uncle Jim! This brought a tear to my eye! I would have loved to have known him! I’m SO very thankful for the sense of humor that you and Dad inherited! Thank you again for sharing!
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Thank you Jim I read this with tears in my eyes. So wish I could have known him and I am thankful for the inherited sense of humor.
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Quite moving Jim.
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6 comments
Lisa
Thank you for sharing this, Jim.
Bill Conroy
Wow! a gifted artist…a front line soldier and part of the Greatest Generation. Thanks for sharing this special post Jim
Deedee
Love this post!!!
Sonja Wright
Thank you Uncle Jim! This brought a tear to my eye! I would have loved to have known him! I’m SO very thankful for the sense of humor that you and Dad inherited! Thank you again for sharing!
Judy G Wright
Thank you Jim I read this with tears in my eyes. So wish I could have known him and I am thankful for the inherited sense of humor.
John F Pastore
Quite moving Jim.