A few years ago and for several years, my wife and I were into antique shopping. She was on a decorative tea pot mission and I was collecting vinyl records...LP's and 45's. I suppose we 'petered out' when China cabinets filled. The 'bug' lies dormant evidently based on the fact that we often watch that television show, American Pickers.
A few weeks past, while watching one of those American Pickers' episode, I noticed some various size metal stars. These metal stars had been painted 'gold.' Instantly, I thought of the World War II days. I was a lad of five and six. My father was serving in WWII and a lot of other East St. Louis families had dads, brothers and sons in that combat. I knew this because I asked questions about all the red-White & blue flags and banners. Those colors were on homes and local businesses. I also remember asking why we had a 'White' Star in our front window. The explanations gave me my first insight into patriotism.
I was told that the 'White Star' in widows indicated that a family member from that house was serving in the Armed Forces. I got a sick feeling in my stomach when my inquiry about the 'Gold Star' was answered. That 'Gold Star' meant that a family member from THAT house had been killed in the war. Oh, my God how I fought sleep at times worrying about that. I was always checking our 'White Star.' Once in awhile I would see those Gold Stars in the city and it was always framed in some fashion with 'black.' I felt so badly for those families and worried so much about my Dad.
So much heartache and so much angst for those waiting, praying and hoping.
(Touch)
Till Then
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