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Archiver > NJ > 2002-11 > 1036187157
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Subject: Re: [NJ] COLLEEN'S NOVEMBER CHALLENGE
Date: Fri, 1 Nov 2002 16:45:57 EST
Chris,
First off, Semper Fi! Colleen, my deepest thanks to you.
I am a Charter Member for the WW2 Memorial, and Chris, did you know that your
Dad is entitled to be on that Memorial?
My oldest brother, George H. O'Kane was KIA at the age of nineteen. He was in
the Army and was a Scout and was killed on the Church steps coming out from
getting his last rites, which was common I have been told for a lot of
catholic men. 1944 was a terrible year for losses, and if you ever read or
seen "A Bridge Too Far", well, my brother was on the other side of the bridge
in Holland and we were told later that he handed out all of his rations
because the town people were near starvation. When he was killed the
townspeople made sure his body was kept safe for burial. Henry (we called
him by his middle name), was then identified and buried by a childhood buddy
who came a couple of days after Henry was killed. Henry was then buried in
Henri Chapelle Cemetery in Belgium until 1946, when he was one of the first
to be brought back home. That was his wish. We are German/Irish descent, but
100% American, and he (if he as KIA), to be brought home to America.
Chris, I wish that my brother John would have done what your father did. The
Marine Corps wanted John to stay Stateside because of his proficiency in the
Browning Automatic, but he went, for he just plain hated Communism. John
survived The Chosin Reservoir and was wounded three times, but then he was
KIA on September 30, 1951. John was my childhood hero. He was wise, kind,
patient and a good, good man.
I will always remember Henry as being 19, and John being 21 yrs old. ..but I
will never forget them or let anyone forget all men who fought in all wars
for their country.
God Bless them all!
Chris, if you haven't done so, you could get your Dad's name on the WW2
Memorial. Everyone contributed..
I wish that all the Memorials could do what the WW2 Memorial is doing.
John is on the Korean Memorial, and Henry on the WW2 one, and hopefully my
brother Jim's children will put their Dad on the WW2 one. He survived the
war but he deserves the tribute, just as your Dad does.
Regards,
Grace
Proud to be an American!
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