Thursday, July 17, 2014

Fred


On his 17th birthday in 1945, Fred had his father sign his enlistment papers.
When he was in basic training, President Roosevelt died.  Shortly afterward,
the War in Europe ended.  While Fred was on a train to San Diego
to be shipped off to join the War in the Pacific,
World War II ended.

Fred never saw battle, but he was ready and willing to do his part.
I call him a hero.

20 comments:

Andy said...

Thank you Fred.

Kate said...

I concur, Jack. Willing to enlist at such a young age, as did so many others!!

You got to Starbucks?!

Luis Gomez said...

My brother is a veteran as well. He was 17 when he enlisted. He did go to war in Iraq.

Michelle said...

Off to war at age 17....how many other people could really have that kind of courage?

Birdman said...

Looks like a 'double-expresso' kinda guy. Yikes!

Tanya Breese said...

well hello fred! as the mom of a 17 year old, i can't imagine sending him off to war...so young...

Sharon said...

I agree! He's a hero in my book.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Absolutely Jack.. but I am glad Fred didn't have to live with horrendous war memories.

Sylvia K said...

A hero in my book as well, Jack!! A big thank you to Fred!

VP said...

I absolutely agree with you, he must be proud anyway!

Halcyon said...

Fred's a hero to me too!

William Kendall said...

A lot of character in that face, Jack.

RedPat said...

It's sad to think that 17 year olds have to do such things.

cieldequimper said...

Yes. I'm sure he now knows that it was a good thing.

Kay said...

So many went off at a very young age. (And came back old.)

jennyfreckles said...

They had to grow up fast in those days. I wonder if it was good training for life anyway?

LOLfromPasa said...

So do I. Great shot!!

Bob Crowe said...

And you have created a remarkable double portrait.

Randy said...

Excellent post.

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

From WWII to Starbucks - a history of the last 50 years in the western world.