They Saved the World

This is a very bold statement and I'm sure you have read or heard it said several times during this day. The 70th Anniversary of D-Day. The Normandy Invasion. The plan to put an end to Hitler and his hated Nazis.

I am extremely emotional and devoted to this day. I'm an admitted World War II history buff. My love for this generation of brave men is no secret to those who know me. I try to honor them as often as possible. One of my favorite news anchors, Tom Brokaw, called them The Greatest Generation. He'll get no argument from me.

I was raised by one. My Daddy, Harold Carr, served in the Navy and the battles of the Pacific. It wasn't until the dedication of the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. that I heard him talking to a fellow Navy man about his war experiences. I was stunned. Ralph is my hero as a Navy man, as is my beloved Father.

My thoughts today are about all who were involved in the landings on the beaches of Normandy. I have read so many books,watched scores of movies and documentaries on the D-Day invasion. I thought I was well informed until my friend, J. R. Hoffman entered my life. We lost J. R. on May 24 of this year.  I am devastated. J. R. married Lavania Workman, my Daddy's first cousin. He was a West Virginia boy and I want to honor his life today. J. R. was a decorated World War II veteran serving as a combat medic with Co. M 119th Infantry. Regiment, 30th Infantry Division. This American hero served as a combat medic on Omaha Beach. I can't even imagine surviving that ordeal but J. R. did. Over the years we talked at length about his experiences. I told him that I would probably be in tears while he was talking but to carry on. To say it was an eye opener is an understatement.

J.R. enriched my life by living his to the fullest.He shared so many stories with me. Some were profoundly sad. Some stories were funny. Most of the stories were shocking and horrific. J. R. also served at The Battle of the Bulge. It was so much to take in but I was so humbled by this lovely man. He gave up so much to serve this country. He was decorated with the Bronze Star, The Purple Heart, the Oak Leaf Clusters and the Good Conduct Medal.

Unfortunately, J. R. would make another sacrifice. This one almost destroyed him. On November 4, 1970, his son, David was killed in Viet Nam. This took everything he had to continue and journey on.

I always found J. R. ready to greet you, to make you smile and feel like you truly mattered to him. It was a blessing and gift to me.

He is still my American Hero and still my friend. I will miss him dearly. I know he is with David and that comforts me. As long as I am on this earth, I will honor J. R. Hoffman on D-Day. I will keep in in my heart forever.

The thousands of men who joined J. R. on this momentous day are to never be forgotten and should always be honored through the years.

I watched as the Veterans of this day were praised by world leaders. Their members are being reduced daily by the hundreds. For many, this will be their last visit to those beaches that they so bravely stormed or parachuted from the sky overhead, or those aboard the ships at sea providing protection for the men on the beaches. The future of our world depended upon their success.

I would like to suggest that you Google General Dwight Eisenhower's letter to all of the men who would be involved in the Normandy Invasion. Here is the first paragraph.

"You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave allies and brothers-in-arms on other fronts you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed people of Europe and security for ourselves in a free world."

They did just what they were ordered to do. Those who survived the Beaches never looked back and never rested until the Germans surrendered.

THEY SAVED THE WORLD

Sandra Carr Neely


Photo: J.R. and Lavania Hoffman, 2010

Tribute to My Military Men

Today, Veteran's Day - 2013, I am thinking about my daddy, Harold A.Carr. He served in the Navy and Pacific during World War II. He is still my hero, stilll brave and loved by so many.

I am also thinking about my friend, J.R. Hoffman. He served in the Army during World War II. He was one of the many waves of soldiers to land on Normandy.

I have too many friends from my youth who served and died in Viet Nam. One of them is J.R. Hoffman's son, David, my second cousin. I lost my childhood friend, Mark Haverland and Jr. High and high school friend, Richard Harrison. I lost 2 dear friends from Winfield High, Joe Willis and Terry Miller. They had already lost a classmate, Roger Byus. I knew him because he played football for Winfield. Gerry Simpson graduated from Buffalo High School. Robert (Bobby) Burdette was 2 years ahead of me at Poca High School. 

The 60's weren't all fun and laughter. So I consider it a honor to have known all those who served and those who sacrificed their lives. I also want to honor my beloved friends who came home. There are many but Jim Cochran and Eddie Jividen are two of my favorites!

Photo:  My dad, Harold Carr, on board the USS Waukesha, during WWII. I think he is such a handsome sailor. I love you daddy!

Phil Everly

Phil Everly died January 3, 2014. If you don't know who he is, it's ok. But, for millions of Baby Boomers it is a very deep loss. I love the Everly Brothers so much. I still have my 45's . I saw them about 10 plus years ago in St. Louis. They were touring with Simon and Garfunkel! Talk about hearing some incredible harmonies! I often tell my grandkids that the big influence for me in learning to sing harmony was the exposure to the likes of The Everly Brothers; The Beatles; Crosby, Stills Nash and sometimes Young; The Hollies; multitudes of the great Girl Groups of the 60's; The Bee Gees and the list is endless. I think my favorite song was "Dream" or maybe "Crying in the Rain" or "Let it Be Me." If you are not familar with their music, head straight to Amazon.com. Thank you Phil Everly and God Speed. Your devoted fan, Sandra Carr Neely

Shirley Temple

Shirley Temple. She filled my childhood with such happiness and joy! My sister, Beckie and I would watch her movies over and over. Yes, we thought we could tap dance and no, we couldn't! In 1957 my parents gave me the 12 inch Shirley Temple in her Heidi dress plus the outfit from Baby Takes a Bow and Stow Away. I still have her and the ourfits! They are almost perfect. When Don and I were first married, he bought me the 1933 Sirley Temple. She is 21 inch made of composition and is wearing her Little Miss Broadway dress! Fast forward to 2012. I bought a set of Shirley Temple movies at Sams. I didn't know if Anna and Brooke would like them. After all, it is a world of computer games and the like. We started with Heidi! They loved it! Brookie thought she could tap dance. I don't know where she got that idea! It turned out that she really loves Shirley and started taking tap! She is in her third year and is a natural! Anna and Brookie play with my 1957 Shirley Temple, along with a few of my other childhood dolls. I do remember that I had to choose between Shirley and Mary Heartline. I'm still looking for the right Mary Heartline doll. Shirley was my favorite though. I will tell you that I have dreaded this day. Shirley Temple Black gave generations of children joy and hope for better days. Remember, her movies were new during the Great Depression. Adults and children went to her movies and for a hour or two, they could escape from their troubles for awhile. God Bless you, Shirley and thanks for laughter,love and memories that you brought to my life. You are now bringing it to a new generation. Remember: "YOU'VE GOT TO S-M-I-L-E TO BE H-A-double-P- P-Y!"