Shared with others, Memories and the gathering of children who lost their fathers in World War II.
The Moments were many and unforgettable.
With the words, “To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan,” President Lincoln affirmed the government’s obligation to care for those injured during the war and to provide for the families of those who perished on the battlefield. Thus, some say, was the beginning of the label “War Orphan.”
A wreath was placed in Arlington National Cemetery
at the site of the AWON memorial tree.
So many years ago, our fathers left their country, their family, and everything they knew as secure and familiar. They left with the hope and the confidence that they would return, but only after they had done what needed to be done to keep the ones they left behind safe and free.
Those who didn't return left behind a generation of children who would be called "war orphans." We are still here, and we are committed to honoring our lost fathers, and keeping their memories alive for as long as we are alive.
Arlington National Cemetery on a sunny September morning.
The World War II Memorial,
the site of a special celebration of our fathers at the
AWON Gala 2018.
Working on illustrations for the memoir
I am writing about my father and me.
