Editor:

I remember very well the song “Let’s Remember Pearl Harbor.” I was only 12 years old when Japan attacked America. I was living on a farm with my daddy, mom, sister and brother.

I remember the day my brother got his draft papers. My mom cried very hard. I recall sitting at the table that evening and my daddy said, “Son, you don’t have to go. We are farmers, and I will go to Bay Minette and get you deferred.”

My brother said, “No, daddy, I want to go. It is my duty to defend my country You will be able to find someone to help you on the farm while I’m away.”

Daddy did.

I remember the day we took my brother to the train station in Foley. Three of his buddies were leaving with him. They were so proud; we were so sad.

When the war was over, three of them came home. Again we were proud and also sad. The one who didn’t return was from Summerdale.

During the war years, food and gasoline were rationed but we didn’t complain. We were a proud generation and did whatever was necessary to help the war effort. We didn’t ask, “What can our country do for us.”

Veterans Day is Nov.11. Please come to the parades and support our veterans and all our troops.

If you would like to make a tax deductible donation toward the bronze memorial “Tears of Sorrow-Tears of Joy” that the Fairhope Veterans Memorial Committee is working to place on the bluff overlooking the municipal pier, send a check to the committee at P.O. Box 653, Fairhope, AL 36533.

Fairhope