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A Soldier's Story

I had the pleasure of interviewing Mr.  Kelly for the Library of Congress Veterans Hsitory Project when I worked in Harford County. He was a charimng fellow and cut a handsome figure in his  uniform which he so proudly wore. As he shared his experiences of D-Day, I had those images flash in my mind of "Band of Brothers" HBO series as they were so closely related and nearly identical. It was clear how proud he was to have served his country and of his fellow soldiers who were so closely bound by that experience.  It was a weld that would never be broken in spite of the passage of time. I recalled asking him a question during the interview about what he had done while he had been AWOL in Paris.  It was clear from the look on his face hat that question was best left unanswered, even though he offered to "tell [me] later". There are some chapters in our lives that probably are best  not read out loud. (You can see his interview and VHP story by going to www.loc.gov/vets and put his name in the search window.)

Mr. Kelly was a hard worker and devoted family man, loved his wife and children and grandchildren to his last ounce of energy.  He was equally devoted to his fellow service memebrs and enjoyed going into the schools to share his story of his WWII service with the students. We are so fortunate to have men and women like Mr. Kelly who so generously served our nation during such difficult times.  I only hope the rest of us can hold up our end of the bargin. Rest in Peace sweet man. it was a pleasure to know you.

Posted by Kathy Abey
Wednesday August 26, 2015 at 12:14 am
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