From The Editor
Veteran's Day
My father talked very little about his days serving in the Navy during the Korean War. Now that I am older, I would very much like to sit down and learn more about what those years were like for him. But he is gone now and the opportunity lost.
I never served in the military. The Vietnam War came to an end right as I was issued my draft card.
But during the so-called 'forgotten war,' years before my birth, my father enlisted along with his best friend, when they turned 18. I have Kodachrome slides of people and places my father photographed during those years. Photos of young men jumping from their ship into the ocean; of young soldiers sitting with smiling Japanese women; and one shot of my dad posing with what I would assume to be a Japanese-style Christmas tree. How I wish I could now hear the stories behind those photos. If there is anything I should learn from this is that we should ask questions during the living years. Better yet, we should record the answers.For some time now, Senior Times Magazine has featured a veteran each month, giving voice to the life and times many of us know little about. We continue this effort in this edition with a story about the Iwo Trio -- a group of World War II veterans that recently lost one of their own in a senseless act of violence. Chris Wilson visited with the group that meets regularly at a local Gainesville restaurant. And with the help of a video recorded event, courtesy of the Samuel Proctor Oral Histories Program, Chris gives us a glimpse into the life of an American hero.
Chris also writes about the Victory Museum in Archer, dedicated to preserving veteran memorabilia. So before any of you toss out or sell those old war souvenirs, consider donating them to this museum.
We are still looking for stories from veterans, especially Tuskegee Airmen and women who served during World War II. If you know of any, please contact us so we can consider sharing their story with the world.
Additionally in this issue you will find stories about a couple of organizations that are celebrating anniversaries. Senior Times intern Elizabeth Behrman writes about the Helping Hands Clinic, which provides medical assistance to Gainesville's poor and homeless. The clinic is celebrating 20 years of service to the area.
On a lighter note, Jenan Eses tells us about the Gainesville Harmony Chorus, an all-female barbershop-style singing group that has been making music for 35 years.
I hope that all of you have a joyous Thanksgiving with friends and family. §
