Years after my father died, I found a 1st cousin of my dad's, much, much younger than my dad, who eventually located his brother at a Home in northern California. I located the place and found he'd died several months earlier. He was 91. He outlived my dad by over 20 years.
He had no family listed, even his daughter who probably didn't know of his existence either. I gave them as much information as I could, so they'd have it in their records for him. I was told that his ashes were to be interred in the National Cemetary in Dixon, California. I wasn't able to be there, but my daughter, who lived close enough to attend was there to represent family.
The tri-folded flag was presented to her. She gave it to the Home's representative, whom I'd been in contact with. I was told, by the representative, that they had a wall designated for Vets as well and they were grateful to have the flag.
Later I found a telegram in my mom's things, from my uncle, talking about some battle he'd just been in. Also, congratulating my parents on my birth. I made a copy and sent it to the representative as well.
My uncle had been a tail gunner during the war.
I've tried for years, and years to locate his daughter, who I never knew, with no luck. From what I could gather from the little bits my parents would say, his wife had divorced him. Probably because of his alcoholism.
I'm sure my uncle's story isn't unique. Those poor, brave men who fought so hard for all of us. The women who cared for them as nurses are just as disserving. I know I couldn't have done it.
Thanks for listening. The previous post VETRANS reminded me of my uncle.
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