Last week, I had the opportunity to interview a WWII veteran, a man born in 1926. Interviewing this spunky man, incredibly vital at 84, proved to truly be an honor. When I initially contacted him to be featured in the veteran’s issue of the weekly paper I write for, he agreed, but said he didn’t want to give details of his service. So, imagine my surprise when our interview began and he readily volunteered details of his experiences serving in the US Navy on an amphibious attack personnel ship as a seaman first class, with positions as a flag semaphore and a gunner.
His memories alternated between funny, sad, melancholy, adventurous, and tortured. I felt a depth a gratitude for all that he and his fellow servicemen endured as he paused several times to control his emotions, fight back terrible memories, and shed tears. Perhaps the most telling moment, reminding me how easy and truly blessed my life is, came when he told of his ship stealthily sending in DUKW ships, hoping to rescue American POWS in Okinawa before they could be executed. When I eagerly asked if they were successful, he needed a moment to compose himself, quietly explaining that their condition was so poor, their treatment so horrific, it might have been better had they not survived.
Today, as we honor our veterans, as well as those actively serving in the military in the United States, I want to express my gratitude for this incredible sailor, John Rutherford, who sailed the across the ocean seven times and back in the span of two years while merely a teenager so that I can appreciate the numerous, essential freedoms I enjoy today.
As an adult, I wish I could sit with my two grandfathers who served in WWII, as well as my father who served in Vietnam, and record their experiences. Unfortunately, I was either too young or too naive to do so before they died. I hope that others who know more of their stories will record and share them, as my Aunt Debbie did before her father passed away. This record is truly a blessing for our family.
I want to honor my father, Lyn May, who served in the US Army. He died far too young from a cancer that I believe was related to his exposure to agent orange in Vietnam. He didn’t speak much about his time in the service, but I know he always stood by his choice to serve, as well as deeply loved his country.
WHat a moving and powerful tribute, Mindy. I love the old photographs, too.
My heart is full today. Thank you for sharing this with us.
what a great tribute… I’d like to thank John too! I too like listening to stories from my father about his time in the Navy. Recently, my uncle passed away and i had the privilege of riding up to Maine for the services. My uncle served on the same Ship as my dad and I enjoyed hearing the stories of them causing mischief on the ship! I also enjoyed hearing how he was luck to service with his brother and how much it made him feel more at home. Thanks for this great story! 🙂