Thank you for your service, Dad. On this Veterans Day, I honor my father John Alzo, a member of The Greatest Generation who served in the United States Navy during World War II.
“Entered the service on 16th of August 1943. Boot training at Great Lakes”
This was the first entry in a diary my father kept during his time on a naval ship in the Pacific. (See my post from 19 August 2006).
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| Navy diary belonging to John Alzo [image held for private use] |
The brief entries in this diary offer a snapshot into the daily life of my father during this important time in history.
“Boarded U.S.S. Tablerock on 15th of December”
“Dec. 25th – First Christmas away from home.”
“December 27 picked up invasion barges in Wilmington, CA.”
“Dec. 28 – Left Wilmington for Pearl Harbor at 5:00 p.m.”
“Dec. 29 – 1st verge of seasickness.
“June 11 – Arrived in Panama 10:00 p.m. Eleven hrs. to get thru locks.”
And, a very important entry in Dad’s diary is:
“Ships position at time of surrender: August 14, 1945. Time 12:31 10º N by 164º W.”
My father was honorably discharged from the United States Navy on 17 March 1946.
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This month marks 13 years since my father passed away and I miss him every day.
I created the short tribute video above to remember and honor Dad.*
On this Veterans Day I want to not only thank him, but all those who have served and are currently serving to protect our country and our freedoms.
*Video tribute created with Animoto [not an affiliate, just a satisfied customer]
[Want to learn how I created my video tribute? Check out my Share Your Stories Webinar Bundle. Save 50% through 12 November 2018 with coupon code: NOV50].
Copyright 2018, Lisa A. Alzo, All Rights Reserved.
