The following was contained in a recent letter Scott Lowery received from Merry McCracken of Timonium, Maryland. She was raised in South Williamsport and graduated from South Williamsport High School, then known as Merry Reigel. She wrote him after reading his book, My Stretch in the Service, One Soldier’s World War II Story that he had written about his dad’s WWII experiences. We thought her sentiments were very appropriate as we observe Memorial Day.

“Had the pandemic not hit us last year, David and I were planning to travel to Paris, Normandy, and Germany to some of the WW II historical sites. I truly believe the wonderful life that we all have enjoyed is because of men like your dad, who fought back the sheer evil of Nazi Germany. These men set off to go fight for the right of all nations to be free.

They left as teenagers to go to a foreign land to witness the worst of man’s inhumanity to man. These guys left, not knowing if or when they would return. The sacrifices and hell they endured ensured for us the wonderful life we have enjoyed. We owe them everything. The older I get, the more grateful I am.

They did not have the promise of Skype — to see their families on a daily or weekly basis as soldiers do now. They were in for the long haul — however many years that would be. These men were so very brave, putting others above themselves. I cry when I look at our country today and wonder what these brave men would think of what we have become.

Actually, I believe the majority of we Americans are still the same — when you get into the heartland of the country, the values that were instilled in us as children are still alive and well.”
Merry McCracken

Timonium, Maryland