I began corresponding with Mrs. Henrietta Reed, Ken Reed�s mother, following my return to the U.S, in November, 1944, and continued to do so until she was taken by cancer about twenty years later. The first excerpt, however, is from a letter that she wrote to our co-pilot, Errol Self, a copy of which I have. The second is from a letter that she wrote to me on March 1, 1945. These excerpts are a tribute not only to Ken but also to the spirit of American mothers like Mrs. Reed.�Dale R. VanBlair
�I am glad that Ken was brave and good and kind. He was always that way when he was with us�quiet and patient. Even as a child, he had dignity and courage. He was a good boy. Both his life and his death were good. I shall never forget him, dear Errol. He is with me even more than before he went away. Yes, Ken will be with you too when you need him, whether you fly again or not. You must not feel bad about Ken and the others who have gone away. God took them and left the rest of you. It was in His hands. Those of you who still have the gift of life on this dear earth will live lives that will be the fulfillment of our mighty struggle.
Someday we will understand the entire scheme of things when the Great Adventure comes to us, too. And I know that will mean happiness for you and all the fine boys who have gone ahead.�
�And as for Ken, I understand that both John Hortenstine and Errol Self tried to keep him up. This knowledge is of superlative comfort to us. It was just one of those things, Dale. And we are so very grateful that seven of that splendid twelve are still here. We have looked the facts in the face from the beginning. I firmly believe that the five are all right. Why wouldn�t they be, Dale? They were fine fellows, and they with all of you that day, were doing their duty, a duty of great difficulty and a duty essential to the welfare of our fine country.� |
