Memories

In this article, I am going to deviate from my memories of those special neighbors to my graduating Class of 1948. The Days of ‘85 are coming up and a few class members wondered if we could “get together” some way during that time. Some thoughts and arrangements were made to accomplish this. Of the 34 that graduated, I believe that 17 are still alive, though scattered.

Every graduating class is unique, but I feel this class was unique in at least two ways. First, there were six Gundlachs, three Waterlands, two Schweigerts and two Hubbards. The other situation was (like some other classes) that two men who had been in the service returned to finish out their senior year.

During the war years of 1941-1945 some of the senior students would volunteer for service, serve time and return to finish their senior year. This brings back memories of World War II; every family in Carter County sent off a brother, cousin, husband or other close family member to serve Uncle Sam. Sorry to say, many of them never returned to their families.

Those of us who were in grade school and high school remember what life was like during those years, with all effort going out for the war effort.

Almost everything was rationed — gas was scarce, tires almost not possible to buy. Every family was issued coupons (with a limit) to get sugar, coffee, shoes and many other items. When you went out to work for someone, you took some of those coupons for personal use. I remember that even Colgate toothpaste was hard to find.

I have, along with some of you possibly, the two volumes of “The Second World War” by Winston Churchill and the Editors of Life covering the war from beginning to end with information, records and pictures of those terrible war years. Germany finally surrendered, and then, on August 6, 1945, the first atomic bomb was dropped on Japan. Three days later the second bomb brought an end to World War II.

The last double page of Volume II shows a picture of the surrender being signed on the battleship Missouri in Tokyo Bay.

God allowed mankind to develop the atomic bomb, which was needed to end the terrible World War II, but as we see the news we realize that it is a world problem today.

In 1948, Winston Churchill made this statement at the end of Volume II of “The Second World War” and I would like to share it with you readers.

“Quarrels between nations, or continents, or combinations of nations there will no doubt continually be. But the main human society will grow in many forms not comprehended by a party machine. As long therefore as the free world hold together, and especially Britain and the United States, and maintains its strength, Russia will find that Peace and Plenty have more to offer than exterminatory war. The broadening of thought is a process which acquires momentum by seeking Opportunity-for-All who claim it. And it may well be if wisdom and patience are practiced that Opportunity-for-All will conquer the minds and restrain the passions of mankind.”

Well, after seventy years certain memories come back and remind us what life is all about. Approximately seventy years ago a wise Churchill gave the world some thoughts and advice for a safe future. I hope world leaders will take his advice.

Back to neighbors next time.