First store-bought clothes

The Great Depression was a great teacher. You’ve read about it, but few of you experienced it.

As a youngster it wasn’t as bad for me as many others. I credit my parents for sparing me the suffering that hit America.

It didn’t hit and then change. It hit and held on for my entire childhood. I still remember the fun I had growing up, more so than my three older brothers and sister.

I don’t remember any of them who expressed any fond memories.

Along came the war and suddenly I was cast into the real world.

First, my oldest brother Richard was called up and was in the army. Next, my next oldest brother, David, was drafted. He ended up in the Air Force. Finally, my brother Robert, at 17, enlisted in the Navy.

All my brothers were gone. To top it off, my sister took a job in a war plant. I was alone, but top dog around the house. The one positive thing was I now got store-bought clothes. All those Depression years, I’d worn hand-me-down clothes from my three brothers.

So this Veteran’s Day, I proudly remember my three brothers, all gone now. So it is easy and sincere for me to say to all the veterans, “Thanks for your service.”

The war was much harder on me than the Great Depression.

The telegrams were the worst. My closest friend’s mother was the telegrapher and handled all the reports of boys wounded or killed, and the community circled those families to comfort and support them.

I remember several times my mom getting a telegram. Luckily for our family, they were all related to furloughs.

My brother Richard served in Africa and along the way until finally in Germany.

My brothers David and Robert served in the Pacific, from The Philippines, and island hopping until meeting on board ship in Tokyo Harbor. For them “I will meet you in Tokyo” came true.

So from my experiences so many years ago, I can say to all our military sons and daughters, a nation is proud of your service and sacrifice.