It's Veteran's Day, and I will admit to having an obsession with WWII. It just amazes me how close the world came to completely changing, and how hard the U.S. and our allies worked to prevent that. How a madman was able to convince an entire country that his plan to eradicate all Jewish people, and anyone with disabilities was a great idea. How did that happen? How can we make sure it never happens again?
I am also stunned by the sacrifices made by our armed forces, and also by our citizens. Our country had one focus, and everyone worked together to beat Hitler.
I am also stunned by the sacrifices made by our armed forces, and also by our citizens. Our country had one focus, and everyone worked together to beat Hitler.
Grandpa Alfred Jensen, U.S. Army, served in Europe during WWII. Whenever I read books about WWII, I feel like a spoiled brat. My hardships, are nothing but inconveniences. The books, even fictional, help teach me about true hardships.
Grandpa Harry Risius, U.S. Army Aircorp, helped train pilots during WWII. Today he was honored by the Legion for his services during the war, and also his service to the Legion. At 92, he's been an active member for many years. He's with my brother Adam and Grandma Evelyn. The first book you must read is Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. The story of Louie Zamporini should be mandatory reading for everyone. From an Olympic runner to Japanese POW, his story is simply amazing. Here is a good link to a CBS story, but you must read the book.
http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/a-war-heros-unbroken-bond-with-his-biographer/
http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/a-war-heros-unbroken-bond-with-his-biographer/
Grandpa Harlan Rosvold with Bataan Death March survivor Philip Coon. Grandpa Rosvold was a Marine in the Pacific during WWII. Another book that should be on the must read list is Armageddon: A Story of Berlin by Leon Uris. This book tells the story of the Berlin airlift after WWII. It's a great story about the transition from the U.S. and Soviet Union going from allies, to enemies. There are many books about WWII, but learning about rebuilding Germany post war was very interesting, and unexpected. We won the war, but now what?
Some other unique books you may enjoy are Last Train to Istanbul, by Ayse Kulin, a book about trying to save Turkish Jews during WWII, City of Thieves by David Benioff about the Leningrad winter holding out from Hitler, The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer, about a Hungarian Jewish Family, The Siren of Paris by David LeRoy about a man's experience in Paris during the German occupation.
Those books are lesser known, but still great fictional reads about what life was like during WWII. Some bestsellers that you probably know are Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosney, and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. There's a reason those books were best sellers, and should be read if you haven't already.
So thank a veteran, and try to remember the difference between hardship and inconvenience. Thanks to our veterans, most of us have never experienced true hardships.
Some other unique books you may enjoy are Last Train to Istanbul, by Ayse Kulin, a book about trying to save Turkish Jews during WWII, City of Thieves by David Benioff about the Leningrad winter holding out from Hitler, The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer, about a Hungarian Jewish Family, The Siren of Paris by David LeRoy about a man's experience in Paris during the German occupation.
Those books are lesser known, but still great fictional reads about what life was like during WWII. Some bestsellers that you probably know are Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosney, and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. There's a reason those books were best sellers, and should be read if you haven't already.
So thank a veteran, and try to remember the difference between hardship and inconvenience. Thanks to our veterans, most of us have never experienced true hardships.
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