NOSTALGIA-L Archives

From: Toots <>
Subject: Trains and now this
Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2000 15:13:48 -0400

Hi,
After you wrote Midge about what trains remind you of took me back in
time too.
I remember going with the family to take my brother to the train to
leave for the army or to leave to go overseas. I remember everyone
crying and of course I did too. I am not sure today I understood where
he was going except it was bad. We peeled the tin foil off the chewing
gum wrappers (remember when the sticks had foil over the paper?) and
cigerettes. Mom made sure we saved every tin can or any other kind of
metal that could be used for the war effort. She canned everthing she
could and our gardens were huge. Dad raised every thing even to pop
corn.

The memory that really has stayed with me is that is when the flag pole
went up at home and it flew the entire time of the war. I can't even
begin to know how many flags were respectfully retired by my Mom and
Dad, the proper way. I feel lost without a flag pole to this day and I
have a flag flying always.

The war was hard, it took its toil and too many good men/boys were lost
but it taught us to be patriotic, not take anything for granted and to
worry about losing our freedome. My Mom's baby brother was lost at sea
and she had a very difficult time accepting that some how some way he
could walk in as there wasn't any closure. I don't think people now
except us "old timers" understand we are losing freedom every day or at
least that is this gal's opinion. I worry if this generation is truly
tested will we have the grit and pride we had then?? I don't know.

My Dad once told me you can be smart and then there is wisdom. I think
I truly understand what he meant them. Life teaches us wisdom and I
don't believe you learn anything when everything is going good. I
believe we get wisdom by being tested during life. I know I don't judge
anyone as it isn't my place I will let that up to God. I think our
ancesters made decisions sometimes because that was the only way they
thought they could. Aren't we all smarter afterwards, hindsite is
wonderful and if I can see if with my decisions why not theirs?

I can get so upset when they say burning the flag is a right. I feel
too much blood has been spilled for that flag to be used that way. Free
speech is available, get up and say whatever you want, that is free
speech.

Sorry I went from trains to flags.............remember the black-outs?

Tootsie

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