At the age of 20, John Cruise had his entire life before him.

Thoughts of marriage and raising a family would not be uncommon for a man of that age, but for Cruise, circumstances and world events sent his thoughts down a different path.

World War II broke out, and Cruise was called to a different kind of service with the 6th Armored Division in Southern France.

Serving under Gen. George Patton, Cruise fought gallantly for his country, eventually receiving recognition with the Silver Star, The Bronze Star, The Combat Infantry Badge, Three Battle Stars and the Purple Heart.

Fifty-eight years later, Memorial Day 2003, Cruise recalls his battles fought and those men and women of a later generation who continue to fight in the armed forces.

"I think as you grow older you reflect back more on the goodness and greatness of America," the 80-year-old Cruise said, referring to how Memorial Day often brings to the fore those things so often placed in memory's storage bank. "When we went through 9-11 and then followed by the war on terrorism and Iraq, it brings me closer to the realization that Americans must be Americans."

Cruise said the unity experienced as a nation in the 1940s has been witnessed in the 21st century.

"I feel we are working towards that now," Cruise said. "I think this generation will get us back to some of the foundations that make this country great."

This year Cruise is not alone in his ponderings.

The war in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom have propelled issues of conflict, freedom and sacrifice into the forefront of the entire American psyche.

The horrific images of war have often flooded television screens and newsprint, while countless stories of heroism and love shine through the darkness of war torn lands.

The latter images and sentiments are those which an entire community and nation will reflect upon during the 137th solemn celebration of Memorial Day.

Rutledge James, an Orangeburg Vietnam veteran of the 563rd Medical Unit, described the conflicts then and now as times filled with sadness and remorse.

"There are a lot of memories I don't want to remember," James said. "I lost a lot of friends (in Vietnam). Memorial Day is a time of remorse for the soldiers who lost their lives and for their families. It should be a great achievement for people, particularly those who lost family members and friends but for everybody in general."

Fellow Vietnam vet of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, Abraham Lowman, said that for him, Memorial Day is a day of mixed emotions ranging from pride to reservation.

"The importance of this day is that it keeps the thoughts alive for the people who lost their lives, but it should shock to memory the people who are still living and the problems they do have," Lowman said, referring to the often times less-than-ideal appreciation vets receive at home.

"I think a lot of people in the country realize that war can come to the USA and any country in our hemisphere, not only in Europe or Asia," Henry Bozard, VFW department vice commander and World War II veteran, said commenting on the uniqueness of this Memorial Day compared to those in past years. "This, I think, has brought greater respect for our soldiers in uniform."

T&D Staff Writer Gene Zaleski can be reached by e-mail at gzaleski@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5551.

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