The 1927 U.S. Army Coast Artillery School yearbook lists his nickname as “Tiny.” He was just under 6 feet tall, 200 pounds, work-hardened hands, arms that made Popeye’s look as a child’s. Fast forward to repatriation when Cabanatuan prison camp, Philippines, liberated. Same height, hair gone, gaunt 130 pounds, malnourished. He returned, found his Philippine wife and two children, returned to the U.S., raised six more children. He retired from the Army in 1949, passing in 1976. Two of four sons served the U.S. Navy; I served, and qualified for retirement.
I recall being spat at, jeered while traveling in uniform during ‘Nam era by “Americans.” Still, I served, and honored my country, flag and anthem.
Chris Langlois’ opined us “white folk” to get in line (“Protests seek liberty, justice,” Sept. 29). In line for what? Why? Don’t hand me that liberal whine that we, in the land of opportunity, are responsible for generations of single-parent households, public assistance, illegitimate children. What have kneeling protesters gained? What are their goals? What have they done to alleviate injustice they, as well-to-do professional athletes, are protesting?
Kneeling during the anthem and before the flag is an asinine, pointless desecration of America, those who serve, not only the military, but also those whose daily task is to protect and to serve — our police.
