Memories from the War Years - by Nona

I had no knowledge about yours and Bob Judd's fathers' fascinating journalistic careers. You both must feel disappointed in the journalism today- or not?   I read yesterday that 2007 saw the greatest number ever of war correspondents killed in the line of duty.

Your memories bring back more of mine from WWII.

I remember the day FDR died because most people in Chappaqua had cocktail parties and celebrated (that's what I heard!) except for my parents and a handful of others. I was "piffed" because we were left with a teenage babysitter who I detested and she had her hair done up in sausage-shaped hair curlers- while my parents went off to grieve with other relatives.

I also remember the end of WWII in Europe- we went down to my grandmother's in Scarsdale and had a parade with all the other kids, using pots and pans for percussion.

I still have in my possession a postcard from my Uncle in Europe, with an etching of a very handsome young Nazi on the front. He writes: " This guy looks real nice, but don't you believe it". I wonder if he retrieved it from the body of a German soldier- did he shoot him?  We also had army blankets and a couple of Nazi hats, but I have no idea where they are now.

I just finished reading "Silent Angel" by Boll written in 1950, the first writings by a German about the post-WWII experiences of Germans- specifically in Cologne. It brings back memories of all those News Reels with hungry Germans wandering hopelessly around the rubble like stray dogs, looking for anything that could be useful, then looking up and squinting into the camera with so much sunlight and no buildings or walls to shade them.

I too remember the blackouts- the black paint over the headlights, shades drawn. For some reason we had to drive my father to the train during one, and I was terrified. We still have bunkers all over the coast here in the Palos Verdes area- my kids loved to play in them, often coming upon families of skunks who settled down there.

I too remember horse meat- but we fed it to the dogs!

How in the world did some one as brilliant and innovative as you ever flunk third grade? Must have been political- I guess rejected lovers don't shoot their competitors.

I am looking forward to hearing other people's memories of the 40's and 50's. Sign of getting old I guess.   Nona

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