Remembering Korea

Truthfully, I never read much about the Korean war. I don't recall studying it in school. I don't remember many people talking about it.  I have relatives who fought there and I heard some of their stories, but somehow the significance of this war eluded me.

Merry Helms and her book Prairie Boys at War has sharpened my focus. I bought the book for Justin, and when he saw the size of it, he sighed. But once he began to read it, he continued. And he has recounted what he has learned.

John Durand writes : "In this riveting narrative, Helm sought out the fast-disappearing Midwest veterans to----reconstruct their countless acts of sacrifice and heroism, their almost unbelievable suffering, and the horror of captivity experienced by many----I am reminded of Winston Churchill's tribute to the Royal Air Force----: 'Never have so many owed so much to so few'."

I never realized how many American's were prisoners of war in Korea.  Merry Helms writes "Many surmise that when all was said and done, the Hadong-Taejon prisoners may have suffered a fatality rate that surpassed anything ever endured by American prisoners in any war".  The accounts in her book from the survivors tell of atrocities that numb the mind.

Prairie boys going to war. Cousin Eddy said when the recruiting officers asked him what he could do he told them he was 'just a farm boy'. A couple of weeks ago when we visited with him, he began to recount his own war stories. In his early eighties now, his eyes are clear, his hand steady, and his mind is sharp. He told us of some humorous events, and then he clicked his tongue and sadly said he lost some good buddies.

I think of our young men leaving home and everything they know and love. Going to a foreign country where they are hated. Protecting the good from the evil. Coming back home to settle down and raise a family. Putting most of the memories on lock down, and trying to forget what they saw.

I believe in prayers for our soldiers, prayers for their families, prayers for the wisdom of our leaders and the military. Prayers that all those young soldiers in any war have not died in vain. And prayers that all of us will remember those who sacrificed so much to keep America free.

Have a good and Godly Veteran's Day, Tuesday, November 11

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Fall and Festivals

Fall is such a fleeting season. Only a few days ago the box elder tree was a glorious sight to behold; today its leaves have practically deserted it and bare branches are waving in the wind.

The time seemed to go equally as fast this week-end at the South Dakota Festival of Books. The South Dakota Humanities Council had a full roster of presenters and  those who attended seemed well satisfied. The exhibitors had use of the Falls room at the Holiday Inn, and we were well satisfied with the crowds. A big thank-you to all the organizers----you did a great job!

It was a book lover's paradise. Booths of books of every shape, color, genre, and price---and authors ranging from young to old---men and women--- we had the kinship of sharing writing experiences.

I bought a book for Justin. Both he and I had uncles who served in the Korean War, and Merry Helm has put together a fascinating book called Prairie Boys at War---this is the first of three volumes about the Korean War and those who fought in it. For more information about this book and M.M. Helm, go to www.PrairieBoyBooks.com  My non-reading husband is already on chapter five.

I bought other books also----and wished I could have bought from every vender! They all looked so interesting. And---I sold books, which was the main purpose in going, and came home with less books, and more friends. Now that's a wonderful trade-off!

When we got home, the granddaughters told us they saw a goat along the creek. We don't raise the little buggers, and we didn't know of any neighbors who did, but  finally figured out where a goat herd was located, and it was at least 10 miles away. At any rate, grandson Kyle came after supper and said he needed a little help. He had roped the critter,  tied him up, and needed some more hands to get it to the barn. Bud the dog, Justin and I and Kyle all piled on the four-wheeler, and in short order, the little brown goat had bleated and bunted his way to the barn. Another new experience :)

I hope you're enjoying the beauty of fall, and getting ready for the freshness of winter. There's a nip in the air, and it makes me want to curl up in the green chair with a good book and a cup of coffee.

Have a good and Godly day!

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