Memorial Day

I never met Uncle Oral, but stories of his bravery were legendary in my family. He died in battle in November of 1944 and is buried with the rest of his family in Ringling, Oklahoma. His was the second grave in the family plot.

Uncle Oral had served as a “China Marine,” stationed in Shanghai, China, a special group whose job was to protect American citizens and property. While he was there, he purchased a carved wooden chest for his mother, my grandmother, and it was one of her most prized possessions. Thanks to my father, it is now one of my most prized possessions.

Oral was gifted with words, and he was a winning boxer. His goal was to learn 10 new words a day, and he was “All Asiatic Boxing Champion” during his time as a China Marine.

On this Memorial Day, I’m thinking of Uncle Oral. I would like to have known him.

You write it: Who are you remembering on this Memorial Day?