POINTS TO PONDER LXVI

Remembering World War II

From Reader's Digest, June, 1945 

Contributed by Pfc Herbert W. Metcalf

 

   My buddy and I were bound for overseas and somehow we were feeling a bit low as we boarded the train in Jacksonville. All the seats were filled and the Pullmans sold out. Several hours later we were standing wearily in a darkened coach when a porter appeared and motioned us to follow him. He led us to a Pullman and pointed out two vacant berths that he said we might as well use. 

   The next morning, more cheerful, thanks to a good night's sleep, we were at breakfast in the diner when we overheard a conversation between two white-haired ladies who sat with their backs to us.

   "Well, Martha," said one, "that was the first time I ever slept sitting up in a ladies' room.

   "But it really wasn't bad," said the other. "I wonder how long it will be before those boys sleep between American sheets again!"

   If either of those gracious ladies should happen to read this: "It has already been a long time, ma'am; and one of us is sleeping now beneath a cross in France. But, thanks to you, both of us left our wonderful country with a warm glow in our hearts."