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| Lt. William Horn |
On this Veterans Day I cannot help but reflect on my dad's service to our country during World War II. We never spoke about it; I never asked any questions. Now it is too late. He's gone.
My thoughts go, as well, to all veterans who have served over the years, often thanklessly, and to those who are serving today. I am grateful for their sacrifices and wish that war didn't exist.
Imagine.
Imagine.
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| B-17 Flying Fortress My Dad's Plane |
I never learned about my father's service either. All I really know is that he served in the southern U.S.
ReplyDeleteYour Dad is very handsome and he has such a warm and kind smile. Great photo and sentiment.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad to think how much history is lost to us. I wish I had always asked questions.
ReplyDeleteThere’s a definite family resemblance. It’s always a regret that we don’t question our parents and grandparents more. I’m trying to make up for it with mine whilst I still have them! This is a lovely way to honour his memory
ReplyDeleteI wonder why we don't think of asking, "What was it like?" until it's too late. I didn't talk to my Dad much about his WWII service either. All I know is that he was a medical corpsman on a Merchant Marine ship that carried supplies back and forth across the north Atlantic.
ReplyDelete"Imagine" is the right word. I imagine how scary it was. I imagine the stories I never heard. Imagine is all I can do.
Probably a coincidence, but your Dad looks a little like the other Horns I know from California. Not such an uncommon name though, I suppose.
ReplyDeleteIt is heartbreaking when we think of the questions we never asked; the answers we'll never find. Wisdom really does come with age, but then so does the pain of knowing how incredibly stupid we were to let so much slip through our fingers when we were young.
ReplyDeleteI also wish there was no war.
ReplyDeleteI also wished I had asked more questions.
ReplyDeleteNancy javier
This is why it's so important to pass on any information you have about your relatives lives in peace or war.
ReplyDeleteWhat a friendly smile your Dad has, and I too wish there was no war. Jo
ReplyDeleteHi Janice you look like your Dad. I am from the Philippines and only one that I know serve WW2 and that's my grandfather's sister husband. But I never see him he was gone before I was born. My mother and father were 4 or 5 years old at that time. The story that I picked up is that when the war broke they went to the mountain afraid that the Japanese soldier will kill them and rape the women etc etc. Then I am so anxious how they live, and my grandfather told me that salt is very important, so they get chickens and traded it to the people close to the sea for salt. They also cook in the evening for they are afraid that Japanese will see the smoke and they will be seen. War is devastation and like you we only wish that there is no war. Happy Sunday!
ReplyDeleteThat is a wonderful photograph. He looks brimming over with character and good-nature : the kind of man it would always be a pleasure to sit down with and discuss the world and all its problems. Than you so much for sharing such a delightful photograph with us on Sepia Saturday.
ReplyDeleteYour father's smile made me smile tonight. Besides looking so young, he also looks wholesome, happy, and pleasant. I hope he lived a happy life after the war.
ReplyDeleteI asked but my Dad wasn't in active service. My Grandad on the other hand was blinded by a grenade blast. My Grandpa was a communist conscientious objector. Talk about chalk and cheese.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pity your dad didn't type out some of his memories on that typewriter, but I don't hink it was at all unusual to be somewhat reticent of talking about wartime experiences. Thanks for sharing the images.
ReplyDeleteI agree, he has a wonderful smile and I also see the resemblance.
ReplyDeleteI wish I had asked so much more, also,. And now there's only one relative left from my parents generation. I think I'll call her right now.
Barbara (Banar Designs)
Love the photo. Your dad has such a fabulous smile!
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