The Names of the Gray Granite Marker

Every year, the month of June marks the anniversary of the D-Day Invasion of Europe during World War II.  An epic day, indeed.  But, there were so many other battles and skirmishes in other parts of the world during that war.  Soldiers lost their lives serving in the armed forces of many countries.

I found a book that fits in with my blog topic of "Fallen Acorns".

A Grassroots History of World War II: Eight Men in Granite - Richard J. Staats, 2008.

www.heritagebooks.com, available for sale through www.ancestorstuff.com

In front of the Randolph, Ohio town hall, the names of eight men are engraved on a gray granite marker.  These men paid the ultimate price...the supreme sacrifice....they gave their lives while serving our nation during World War II.

Robert E. Francisco, Henry B. Wise, George Reisinger, Robert H. Hillard, Elmer L. Leech, William H. Bettes, George M. Buzek, and Donald A. Dibble.

The author, Richard J. Statts, decided it was time to find out who these men were and what were their circumstances that ended their lives during the lifetimes of the greatest generation. Through a somewhat lengthy search of service records, unit roles and other records mentioned in this book, many photos, v mails and letters were donated to help with the gathering of each man's story.  Mr. Statts uncovers the personal stories of these men.  Two were lost at sea.  Only one of the soldier's remains were returned home. These were not close buddies, but all came from the same rural community that held deep and close family bonds.  

In a time when we so often forget about why we have this nation of freedoms and opportunities, we truly have a need to read and learn about those who gave their lives so that we can continue to live in our nation with every right to pursue a wonderful life for ourselves.

I highly suggest that if you don't have a person in your life who can tell you about their life in the military service, at least read about how one person researched the lives of these eight servicemen. Learn about what they were asked to do during a time in their lives when, I am sure, they would have rather stayed home and continued their lives in their hometown.