I had a different idea for a post than the one you are about to read. I intended on sharing our weekend of camping. This will have to wait for a few days.
Taylor and Callie started talking about the Veteran’s Day program in school tomorrow. One thing led to another and a comment from Jim to Taylor has changed my plan. Jim’s dad, Lloyd, served in World War II. His service took him away from home for at least four years and into the “Pacific Theater” – Luzon to be exact. Jim suggested Taylor read the “Thank You” his dad wrote to his community of Springfield, NE in 1945 to her classmates and visitors. With a little hesitation, Taylor found the note, tearfully read it to us and I decided I had to share it.
Lloyd wasn’t one to talk about the war – unless he was asked a question. Even then, it was a short to-the-point answer. I think war would be a tough memory to recall and talk about. War affects everyone differently, I’m sure. I certainly wouldn’t know. I’ve never had to be involved in war. I have nothing but respect and honor for those who have given everything they can ( including their life) to keep me and my family free. Free from the tyrants of this world. Free from dictatorship. Free to be who I want to be. Free to live the life I want to live.
A lot of the memories died with Lloyd when he passed away on December 7, 2008. We were able to get some of the stories, but I’m sure not all. Thank you, Lloyd, for being a 22 year old youngster fighting for your country! You were truly a Great American and part of a generation that will NEVER be outdone.
I pray that what you fought for only 70 years ago is not soon forgotten!
A “Thank You” letter to the Springfield Methodist church from T|Sgt Lloyd R. Zeorian Co. F 130 Inf APO 33 July 27, 1945
The least I can do is write a few lines to express my appreciation for the birthday card I rec’d from you. I wish I knew the correct words to express just how much a message like that means from friends at home when a fellow is away.
I think that a large percent of the fellows that are in the service would agree that too many of us didn’t fully realize the value of “home” and of “old friends”, before we entered the service. I don’t say that it was necessary for war to come along to wake us up, but that is the way it has happened, and I think by the time we get home we will have learned a lesson the hard way. We will come back equipped to be better Americans, due to the experience we are having now. We have seen the suffering and destruction a few power crazed individuals can cause. So now we are thoroughly determined to set the “rising sun”.
You people at home are making it possible for us to do that job. You are sending us equipment that is necessary for us to use in out fighting and you also provide for our enjoyment and entertainment during our short periods of relaxation in rest camps when we return from the front lines.
That is the reason it makes my heart swell and a lump come up in the throat when I realize that the people of the church at home, take the time and trouble to send their best wishes to me on my birthday. To me, it’s one of the nicest things that could happen.
God Bless you, and I hope in a very short time all of us may be reunited.
Sincerely yours,
Lloyd R. Zeorian
T|Sgt. Infantry
HAPPY VETERAN’S DAY to all who have served and are serving to make this country “the land of the free and the home of the brave”! Your dedication and bravery is taken for granted all too often!