We all spent Veteran’s Day thinking of those in our lives who have been brave enough to protect our country and serve others. This year was certainly more significant than others, for obvious reasons. Our family went to the Stamford Veteran’s Day parade and called out, “Thank you,” to as many vets as we could. We shook the hand of a WW2 vet who was there – he must have been a baby when he fought.

Bud’s letters certainly portray a man who was making the best out of his task – he studied hard, enjoyed his friends, and became accustomed to the routines of military life. His letters frequently reassure all at home that he was well fed, well rested, and happy.

And yet…he was still preparing for war. There must have been plenty of stories by summer of ‘43 of the casualties. He was too smart to be naive. He was sending money home out of every paycheck, and even remarked how he would be able to send more once he was in combat. I’m sure there isn’t a mother out there who wouldn’t gladly give back every cent of combat pay in return for a son or daughter’s safety.

There’s a bit of a difference in tone in Bud’s diary vs. the letters. I hesitate to share too much of the diary publicly on this blog, as it was a place for his private thoughts. But on July 1, Bud wrote a poem, his only one, that may be representative of his own feelings, or maybe those around him. Here are a few stanzas:

Out on the wind swept desert

Old Hondo Field is the spot.

Battling the terrible dust storms

In the land that God forgot. 

At night the wind keeps blowing

Its more than a man can stand

No – we’re not convicts

Just defenders of the land.

We are the men of the Army Air Corps

Earning our meager pay

We guard the people with millions

For a measly buck a day. 

On this Veteran’s Day I’m reminded of the great sacrifice our soldiers make, but also of our great responsibility to honor them and make sure they feel our gratitude.

I’ve been in touch with our Casualty Assistance Officer, Patrick Montes. A Connecticut National Guard troop was deployed today to Eastern Europe. Our family will be doing what we can to organize some reminders for these men of women of our appreciation for them. As we get information, I’ll share it here so you can do the same if you’d like.

Oh, and Happy Birthday in heaven to Bud tomorrow, November 13.  The whole gang is there this year!