Inherited Freedom

         I interacted with Maurice and Archie for a precious few years that were cut short by their passing; every minute that I spent in their company was considered a privilege. I have spent a large portion of my adult life extensively researching their World War II experiences. This, coupled with scores of interviews and compilation of stories provided by World War II veterans, compels me to put pen to paper. My goal is not to be political, but to share the research, thoughts, concerns and opinions of a forty year-old American male, a citizen who has never had to fight for his freedom but who clearly understands what he inherited and what is at stake for his children and this great nation. What a privilege it has been to grow up in freedom, but what a huge responsibility to leave to future generations. 

            My interest in World War II history started at a very young age. Learning that both of my grandfathers had fought in World War II led me to interrogate my parents and in turn ask my grandfathers countless questions. During my middle school years, my interest in comic books like “Sgt. Rock” and “Sgt. Fury” furthered my interest. Throughout my teenage years and adulthood, I acquired practically every World War II book I have come across. World War II movies, documentaries, biographies and anniversary specials were also recorded and archived, often at the expense of my parents’ VCR tapes. 

            By the time I had been married for several years and my wife and I had begun to have children, both my grandfathers passed away. Their military funerals and memorials are burned in my memory. Their American flags were handed down to me and are preserved in shadow boxes in my home office. It has been important for me to fill in as many gaps in their military careers as possible, obtain missing medals, patches and uniforms. This not only satisfied my desire to learn more about them, but to, in turn, pass that rich history down to my son and daughter.   

            Continued research has allowed me to attend World War II reunions and it has given me the privilege of interviewing countless World War II Veterans, many of whom served side by side with each of my grandfathers and other family members. The hundreds of interviews and conversations I have had with these veterans have helped to provide me with the inspiration to write this book. These men served our great country with courage, a sense of duty, a will to protect, and a determination to win. 

What drove that generation to rise up and head off to war? Has that driving force been lost over the last sixty plus years? Does my generation care to understand, appreciate their privileges, and accept the responsibility of that freedom, which was purchased at such great cost? Does my children’s generation even know what took place during 1939-1945? Are America’s diverse citizens aware of what it took to obtain the inherited freedom and privileges we experience today? Is America alert to how easily that freedom can be taken away? By writing this book, I hope to share the personal history, insights and concerns of an adopted third generation grandson with an otherwise silent and uninformed majority. What attributes did the Greatest Generation have that allowed them to sign up by the millions and head off to war? What drove them to return, raise families, and work for decades to help rebuild this great nation and help it recover from what previously could have been total annihilation? Today we are faced with new enemies. These enemies do not wear uniforms, drive tanks or even represent a country; rather, they sneak into our country, cities and our neighborhoods. They seek to cause disruption, and they are determined to erase every existence of our heritage and rights as a nation. I will look back into what saved us once as a nation and what is required of the generations born since the end of World War II. If we expect to survive and reach America’s two hundred and fifty year anniversary, we had better wake up and reverse our current course. Thank you in advance for taking this journey with me.