Beings how this is Veteran’s Day in the U.S. — a time to remember all those who served, whether in war or peacetime — I thought I’d show you a few photos of my dad.
Dad loved wearing hats and always wore them with a jaunty flair.
Dad once told me he thought about going to college and becoming a minister, but then he got drafted. I guess once he got home, college didn’t sound so appealing.
You might say Dad served in both war and peace. He was on a ship headed to the Philippines when report came that Japan surrendered. But he still had to complete his course of duty, so after training he was sent to Japan.
Here’s the back of the photo — the handwriting is Dad’s:
I looked it up. Kamakura is a “a seaside Japanese city just south of Tokyo.”
There was an old wooden box in our attic that contained old photos, letters and keepsakes from Japan. Every once in a while, Dad would bring it down and we got to look through it. (Do you suppose he did it on Veteran’s Day? Let’s say he did.)
I remember the box had a kimono it it, but I couldn’t describe it if I tried, plus there were some old coins and photos. Mostly, I remember the box had an enchanting odor of dust and mold and a young man’s dreams fading away.
I think the box is with Middle Sister now. Most things wound up with her, simply because none of the rest of us wanted to deal with it and she can’t throw anything away. (Every family should have a Middle Sister.)
Anyway, I do have one item from the box: a letter opener with shells and a small bit of seaweed preserved in resin.
It just now occurred to me that I opened my sewer bill with a letter opener that’s over 70 years old.
Every time Dad opened the box, we hoped we’d hear more about his time in the Army, but he never seemed to think it was that interesting. He was a cook, after all. He didn’t do that much.
Maybe not, but thanks for serving anyway, Dad. I miss you.
The man knew how to wear a hat.
Feeding on Folly 
What a sweet post. My Dad was also a hat lover. And he served in the Korean War. After he passed, I made sure to get his beautifully ornate photo books from that time, filled with black and white shots of him and his Army buddies and little children in the villages. Priceless.
Thanks, Rhonda. That was smart of you to request the photo books! I agree, they sound priceless.
My father served in the coast artillery in WW2 in the Alaska Department. He never saw action, but liked to tell a few stories about it.
He had few things from his time and I’ve got his dog tags.
It’s good to remember those who served.
I think I remember seeing my dad’s dog tags — they’re probably in the box too. I agree, we need to remember all who served.
Wonderful post and pics, Christi!! Happy Veterans Day and thank you to all who served.
Its Remembrance Day in Jamaica. My grandfather served in World War 1 for Britain. My mom has his medals. He used to tell us stories of his time in “Wow wow 1”..
Ah, thank you Chery.! I love that your grandfather called it Wow wow 1 — never heard that before!
Thanks for sharing such a lovely story. He did know how to wear a hat. 🙂
It’s Remembrance Day here; both my parents were veterans as am I.
I didn’t realize you’re a veteran — I must have missed that part of your story. Good for you (and us)! 🙂
It’s all about the angle of the hat, isn’t it? I was thinking that even before I saw your “jaunty flair” comment. Timeless photos from the Silent Generation. Thank you for sharing them, and for your dad’s service.
Thank you, Dave. I agree, it’s all about the angle. 🙂
Lovely reflections on your father and his service, Christi. Wonderful photos, too. The letter opener is that perfect sort of keepsake – useful as well as memento.
Thanks Eilene. I always found it interesting that my dad (in his early 20s mind you) even bought a letter opener. Maybe that was why I took it — besides its being pretty. 🙂
He’s looking very spiffy in his uniform. Attention! 😀
Yes, spiffy is the right word for it. 🙂
Thanks for commenting!