Memories of honor, respect back home

I am now 81, but I remember my various uncles coming home on leave during WW II. They just showed up at the door. No planes just ships, railroad, street cars and the elevated.

I recall my younger brother shouting that uncle Benny was home. And there he was drinking a cold quart of milk in his Navy Blues. I also remember as a boy that a neighbor's son was Killed in Action (KIA). Sgt Philip Ludford 21 died at Iwo Jima. I remember our Church Queen of Angels in Chicago at Sunnyside and Western had two large billboards at the lower level of the church that listed all the members of the church in military service, some listed with Gold Stars to point out the deceased.

I remember the Korean and Vietnam wars. Not much of a welcome was offered as I recall.

One of my brothers served in the Marines after the war ended. However, my youngest brother served in an elite Marines squad in Vietnam. He would send his letters to me and I would call my parents and read them, deleting some horror stories. Some 30 years later, I gave the letters to his sons. After two Purple Hearts, he was given a choice to go home to Great Lakes to do training. Our Dad was not well. He quietly came home.

Finally, I would suggest a Memorial Day movie made by HBO called "Taking Chance."

It is a beautiful story filled with honor and respect for Pfc. Chance Phelps, who died in action in the Iraq War. The story is a beautiful account of U.S. Marine Officer Michael Strobl accompanying Phelps's remains across the country to his hometown. I am pleased to be a member of such a caring nation.

Tom McGovern

Mt. Prospect