I just finished reading In Harm's Way and I cried my eyes out, not out of pity, but out of pride for the men who refused to give up. My dad served on board the U.S.S. Hoggatt Bay, CVE 75, and my sisters and I have been blessed to have attended several of their reunions. In 2003, the reunion was held in Charleston, South Carolina, and the theme was "antebellum." My sisters and I got really "hooked" on being a part of this Navy family in 2001, so we always make a point of getting costumes for the theme. We had worked really hard at my parents' home making these antebellum dresses that were corsetted and off the shoulder.
Anyway, as I made my way across the ballroom to the table where my parents were, I was humored by this enchanting man at the head table who looked at me and said, "My gosh, young lady! I'm a doctor, but I can't possibly revive every man in this room who is going to go into cardiac arrest at the sight of you." I burst out laughing, not knowing that this man was the main speaker for the evening. This wonderful, joyous man turned out to be Dr. Giles McCoy, and his story was heart-wrenching. As a student of history, I knew a little about the Indianapolis, and I remembered reading a half-page story in the local newspaper a few years prior about the effort to vindicate Captain McVeigh. However, I had no idea of the intensity of the drama that these men lived through, even though I had watched interviews on the History Channel and learned even more about the incident.
I cannot even begin to tell every single one of you what kind of hero you are. When things were as bad as they could possibly be, you reached even deeper inside and relied on an inner strength and faith that you probably didn't even know you had. I have to tell you that this story made me very angry. All war results in such a waste of life, but there was no excuse for what happened to you guys. My dad and I share war stories all of the time, and I called him to tell him about the book, which I am sending him. He shared with me that his ship had been in that region the day before the Indy, and that he, too, felt a personal anger at the Navy for risking the lives of so many who had given so much.
Living in San Antonio, I come in contact with many veterans who are recovering at Brook Army Medical Center, and I am amazed at their bravery. Some have lost both legs and have learned to walk on prostheses with a jaunt in their step, a smile on their faces, and a laugh that erupts from the joy in their hearts. Not once have I seen a soldier looking for pity. I think of you guys often when I see these courageous young men who have given so much for this country. Perhaps someday y'all can make your way to Texas and share your story with these guys. I'm sure they would be very encouraged to know that there is life after the nightmare. Incidentally, my husband is an Air Force flight surgeon who has served in Iraq. Since I read late into the night, I see him tossing and turning in his sleep, and at times have to wake him up. He doesn't need to tell me that he was reliving some horrible experience that he endured in Iraq.
There is no doubt that God had a reason for each one of you to live. May He give you peace and comfort every day and every night. You are one of the most admirable groups in history. Your determination to go on with life, to fight for the vindication of Captain McVeigh, and to forgive your "enemy" demonstrates the rare character that you men possess, the special traits that gave your generation the well-earned title of "the Greatest Generation." You are an inspiration to all Americans. I am honored and privileged to have met Dr. McCoy. I hope to someday go to Indianapolis to visit the memorial, and maybe if I'm really lucky, I will have the privilege of meeting some more of the greatest heroes in American history.
Anyway, as I made my way across the ballroom to the table where my parents were, I was humored by this enchanting man at the head table who looked at me and said, "My gosh, young lady! I'm a doctor, but I can't possibly revive every man in this room who is going to go into cardiac arrest at the sight of you." I burst out laughing, not knowing that this man was the main speaker for the evening. This wonderful, joyous man turned out to be Dr. Giles McCoy, and his story was heart-wrenching. As a student of history, I knew a little about the Indianapolis, and I remembered reading a half-page story in the local newspaper a few years prior about the effort to vindicate Captain McVeigh. However, I had no idea of the intensity of the drama that these men lived through, even though I had watched interviews on the History Channel and learned even more about the incident.
I cannot even begin to tell every single one of you what kind of hero you are. When things were as bad as they could possibly be, you reached even deeper inside and relied on an inner strength and faith that you probably didn't even know you had. I have to tell you that this story made me very angry. All war results in such a waste of life, but there was no excuse for what happened to you guys. My dad and I share war stories all of the time, and I called him to tell him about the book, which I am sending him. He shared with me that his ship had been in that region the day before the Indy, and that he, too, felt a personal anger at the Navy for risking the lives of so many who had given so much.
Living in San Antonio, I come in contact with many veterans who are recovering at Brook Army Medical Center, and I am amazed at their bravery. Some have lost both legs and have learned to walk on prostheses with a jaunt in their step, a smile on their faces, and a laugh that erupts from the joy in their hearts. Not once have I seen a soldier looking for pity. I think of you guys often when I see these courageous young men who have given so much for this country. Perhaps someday y'all can make your way to Texas and share your story with these guys. I'm sure they would be very encouraged to know that there is life after the nightmare. Incidentally, my husband is an Air Force flight surgeon who has served in Iraq. Since I read late into the night, I see him tossing and turning in his sleep, and at times have to wake him up. He doesn't need to tell me that he was reliving some horrible experience that he endured in Iraq.
There is no doubt that God had a reason for each one of you to live. May He give you peace and comfort every day and every night. You are one of the most admirable groups in history. Your determination to go on with life, to fight for the vindication of Captain McVeigh, and to forgive your "enemy" demonstrates the rare character that you men possess, the special traits that gave your generation the well-earned title of "the Greatest Generation." You are an inspiration to all Americans. I am honored and privileged to have met Dr. McCoy. I hope to someday go to Indianapolis to visit the memorial, and maybe if I'm really lucky, I will have the privilege of meeting some more of the greatest heroes in American history.
With all sincerity,
Rebeca Johnston-Sowin