I recall listening to a conversation between a couple of neighbors when I was in elementary school. One neighbor had served on an American naval destroyer in the Pacific during the Second World War. The other neighbor, a German immigrant, had been in the Hitler Youth and then joined the German Navy. They talked about one event and another as if discussing a ball game. Their tone could have been taken from a documentary. I didn't ask as many questions as I should have. I was a kid and they were adults and no doubt I missed much of what was said.
Both men are dead now.
The Second World War generation is dying out. With each instance where the person's story was unrecorded, we have lost a bit of history.
6 comments:
Over the last few years I've conducted a dozen or so interviews with WWII and Korean War veterans. Amazing men and an amazing opportunity.
Larry,
That is a noble endeavor.
Thank you.
Michael
What an experience that must've been. I would have been awestruck.
What was their attitude toward one another?
Thank you.
Michael,
If you're ever interested, you can take a look at some of our work at the Citadel Oral History Program on Facebook.
In addition to veterans, we also do interviews with some other interesting folks in the Charleston community.
Rob,
They got along well. Both were pretty out-going. I also recall another conversation where the German talked about being taught to goosestep.
Michael
Larry,
Thanks for the information. I'll check it out!
Michael
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