May 25, 1945

May 25, 2018

“Why us, Sarge? Why us? Because we’re here, lad.

Because we’re here. Just us.”

“Here” in 1879 was Rorke’s Drift Crossing, Natal Province, South Africa.

I’ve been writing about this since 1997. Corporal Leonard Putnam, Unite States Army, was a 41-year-old piano salesman from Jersey City, NJ, who was married to my wife’s great Aunt Millie.

“Here” in 1945 was the Sugar Loaf on Okinawa.

A 4-pound shell from a Japanese type 81 mortar took off his upper right quadrant 73 years ago today. He died quick and he died clean as did my uncle, also a member of the United States Army, on July 2, 1863 at Gettysburg.

“They stand in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die

That freedom might live and grow, and increase its blessings”

“They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, not the years condemn,

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.”

Another year; another roll call. Each year it becomes quicker. Each year my task remains the same. As long as I remember them, they will be remembered.

Join with me in raising a cup to  men who, “having seen the elephant”, paid the soldier’s price.

Kevin Smith

WARRIORBARDIT@BELLSOUTH.NET