Memorial Day Memories - Day 1

"No man was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave." -- Calvin Coolidge

And . . . it's here! The first day of a three-day blog link up! We have some amazing blogs participating, so be sure and check the page I added on the blog.
Joining me today in posting are Livi Jane and Emily Ann Putzke. Be sure to head over and check out their posts!

Today I'm doing a post on a WWII soldier who was killed, tomorrow there will be a post on a Korean or Vietnam solider, and then Monday, well, I'm not sure what I'm doing on Monday quite yet. ;) I guess we'll see what happens.

So, without further ado, let's get onto the post, shall we?

The waves wash softly against the white, sandy beaches. Overhead, the sound of seagulls fill the brisk early morning air. A sense of peace falls over the area and surrounding fields. The sun is appearing over the waves, and the ripples are shimmering and dancing in the beams of light. 
Just a bit over the hill, green grassy fields dotted with white spread out as far as the eye can see. If you step a little closer, you can almost feel the sacred silence that surrounds the place. 
You see, this isn't just any beach. This is Normandy. And it's shores hold the graves of thousands of soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. 
And among these brave men, among all the crosses and unmarked graves, a single cross reads Corporal Robert Booth Jr. Kansas, July 9, 1944 Such a simple cross. Such a simple marker. But really, there's so much more to the story. 

Robert Booth was born at the Booth home in Kiowa county, Kans., on December 5, 1921 and died in the Normandy invasion area in France on July 12, 1944, at the age of 22 years, 7 months and 7 days.

He was reared on his father's farm and became a real farmer, always taking great pride in his work.

He attended the Booth rural school and Wilmore High School and at the time he entered the Army in 1942, about two years ago, was farming with his father.

Bob took his basic training at Camp Walters, Texas, and was then sent to Camp Blanding, Fla. He was on Maneuvers in Tennessee and was then transferred to Camp Atterbury near Indianapolis, Ind., before going overseas.

While he was stationed in Florida he was given a furlough home last December (1943), and no soldier was more pleased to see his parents and friends, and the house and land that he loved.

Cpl. Booth landed in England last March and there continued his intensive training. He took his training in the infantry in stride and was a good soldier, always doing his full part. He has made the Supreme Sacrifice that his buddies and loved ones may live in peace through the coming generations.

(Information taken from Roots Web)

He was also awarded the Purple Heart. 

I wonder what this guy was like. I mean, really like. What did he like for breakfast? What was his favorite chore on the farm? What were his hopes and dreams for life? Did he want to be a farmer, or perhaps have something else planned for when the war was over? Did he step onto that beach with the thought of home in the back of his mind? What stirred him to fight? What were his last thoughts? Did he suffer, or was he killed instantly? 

So many questions will forever go unanswered. Because he didn't just fight. He gave his life. 

He made a sacrifice that we may live in peace. May we never forget what others have suffered for us. 

Never forget the price they paid for our freedom. 

And . . . that about wraps it up for today. :) I'm looking forward to being back here tomorrow with you all. And I hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend!