Dad was a WWII Captain Pilot stationed in Australia. He flew a B-24. He flew with the Jolly Rogers Bomb Squad. He was shot down off the shore of New Guinea. His back was broken. He survived of course. July 31st is the day it happened. When I was a kid mom made up a cake with the shoreline of New Guinea with a B-24 on it. We always celebrated this day.
I did not realize until this morning that it was his special day. I have not celebrated it for a long time. Maybe dad is looking down and wants a little remembrance. I thank him for all the life he gave me. Rest in Peace and have a beer on me.
The film The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) brings up what my dad and mom went through. It is a film about their generation. Dana Andrews as Captain Fred Derry reminds me of my dad. Especially his struggles in life and with drinking. Dad was one of the fallen angels. I love watching this film because it helps me to understand and feel close to him. He was a real characters who was often hard to be with. I love him dearly.
