SCRC Blog 11/9/2023: "A Veterans footlocker – vestiges of valor" ... by James Poplar

Image of a World War II Footlocker

"A Veterans footlocker – vestiges of valor" ... by James Poplar
November 9, 2023

Among my family I am known as an incurable “dumpster diver” especially if I spot a discarded item that may be of historical significance. Many a time to the chagrin of my wife I have brought home items “liberated” alongside a dumpster. My entire 1970s vintage stereo system was obtained in this manner. Less for the landfill - a “win-win” for all !
 
Several months ago, my brother-in-law was given a vintage U.S. Army footlocker which had been in storage for years and was on its way to the local dump. Knowing I have a keen  interest in history and militaria he asked me if I wanted it rather than him disposing of it. A “no brainer” - I promptly took possession and hauled the footlocker home.
 
Upon opening it I was amazed at its contents. It was readily apparent that it contained the memorabilia and documents of a senior U.S. Army Officer and his wife who had both passed without any surviving heirs or children more than forty years ago. On the one hand I was elated at such a find but on the other it was sad to know that I was the one now responsible for preserving their legacy of service to the country during three global conflicts.
 
The numerous medals on his uniform were a testament to his service in World War II, the Korean War, and he had endured five separate six-month combat tours in Vietnam. In addition, he had awards for valor and heroism while under fire in all three conflicts. If only those medals could talk and speak of past battles fought and his gallantry displayed !
 
Looking beyond his uniform there were numerous photographs and the ephemera that span one’s life of service to the nation. His wife was a German war bride, and it was quite obvious from the numerous photographs and letters that even though he may have been deployed on foreign soil fighting our nation’s wars she was always with him, if not physically but in spirit. They were inseparable.
 
Not only did the task of being the guardian of their legacy weigh heavy on me, but I realized that their story was not unique but really the story of many veterans who go to war and  return, raise a family, and give back to their community.  The sounds and sight of battles fought  may still haunt them and has forever changed them. Theirs is a story of self-sacrifice, honor, and perhaps the painful memory of comrades lost while fighting for the freedom many of us today merely take for granted.
 
Veterans Day is the day we honor  those who, like the owner of my footlocker  served with pride and honor to preserve the nation founded almost 250 years ago. Though he may be gone like many other veterans here in the valley his legacy of self-sacrifice, duty and honor endures. May God bless  our Veterans and the United States of America !