Memorial Day 2011, quote 9

Abruptly the poker of memory stirs the ashes of recollection and uncovers a forgotten ember, still smoldering down there, still hot, still glowing, still red as red. –William Manchester, historian, biographer (1922-2004)

Memorial Day 2011, quote 2

One strange feeling, which I remember clearly, was a powerful link with the slain, particularly those that had fallen within the past hour or two. There was so much death around that life seemed almost indecent. Some men’s uniforms were soaked with gobs of blood. The ground was sodden with it. I killed, too. –William Manchester, historian, biographer (1922-2004)

'The Pacific' on HBO

For those of you enjoying 'The Pacific' on HBO (as I am), please read 'Goodbye Darkness' by William Manchester and 'With the Old Breed at Peleliu and Okinawa' for an honest and unvarnished look at the horror of the Pacific War as told by combat Marines. Your understanding of the world, as well as your appreciation for the actions of the United States during World War II, will never be quite the same.

Laudizen