Memorial Day Tribute: George L. Lupori
My wife and I spent this Memorial Day weekend with my sister in E. WY. During our visit we had the opportunity to go through a box of old family photos and memorialabilia. We came across some real gems: old photos, postcards, letters and the documents in this post. In honor of my father (and all those) who served in Europe during WWII , I’d like to share these discharge letters. I am particularly impressed by the language used in the message from George C. Marshall below:
Allow me to quote one section that states:
“Start being a leader as soon as you put on your civilian clothes. If you see intolerance and hate, speak out against them. Make your individual voices heard, not for selfish things, but for honor and decency among men, for the rights of all people. Remember, too, that no American can afford to be disinterested in any part of his government, whether it is county, city, state or nation. Choose your leaders wisely–that is the way to keep ours the country for which you fought. Make sure that those leaders are determined to maintain peace throughout the world. You know what war is. You know that we must not have another. As individuals you can prevent it if you give to the task which lies ahead the same spirit which you displayed in uniform”
I was mightly impressed by the words of General Marshall. It strikes me as odd how we seem to forget that fighting for a just cause, against a real enemy, should be seen as a battle for all of us. That soldiers give their lives “for the rights of all people.”
My father was a good and honest man. Interestingly, he never spoke about his time in the war. Like so many of the greatest generation, he kept his experiences to himself. I can tell you this: my father was a firm believer that everyone in America deserves a right to succeed, no matter where they come from, no matter what color, no matter how poor.
If you would like to read the whole text just click on this address: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2218/2528354588_d675aa18aa_o.png.
June 8th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
I am happy that you enjoyed our visit and that we were able to go through Daddy’s memorabilia, Deb found this and called me and told me about it so we are replying together.
PS Its still raining